As the grip that COVID-19 has on Pennsylvanians is slowly loosening, so soon will state-imposed restrictions.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Monday that starting April 4 some of the restrictions on businesses and gatherings will become less stringent.
April 4 is a little over two weeks away and is Easter Sunday.
Restrictions will not be completely lifted, but residents will be able to gather in larger groups, and businesses like restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment facilities will have less strict rules.
On April 4, establishments will be allowed to resume bar service, and people can drink alcoholic beverages out without purchasing food. The state will lift the curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables, too.
Restaurants that are currently self-certified will be able to raise indoor dining capacity to 75%, and those that do not self-certify will be able to raise capacity to 50%.
Social distancing and mask-wearing will still be in place. The state still encourages outdoor dining, curbside pickup and take-out orders.
Capacity will also be lifted to 75% for businesses such as gyms and entertainment facilities like casinos, theaters and malls.
The maximum capacity for indoor events, regardless of venue size, will increase to 25%, and capacity for outdoor events will be 50%. This increase is only permitted if attendees and employees are still able to maintain six feet of distance.
Wolf said that Pennsylvanians have done their part to help curb the spread of the virus.
“Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week — all very positive signs,” he said. “The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations.”
Wolf urged people to continue wearing masks, social distancing and adhering to business guidelines.
“We’ve come so far and now is not the time to stop the safety measures we have in place to protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” he said. “Keep wearing a mask, social distancing, and, please, get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”
Pennsylvania had a percent positivity rate of 5.7% during the week of March 5-11, which was the same as the week prior.
However, in the local counties, two counties’ rates increased, and the other two counties’ rates decreased.
The percent positivity rate in Cameron County from March 5-11 was 4.8% (up from 1.6%); in Elk County, 2.7% (down from 4.1%); in McKean County, 4.7% (down from 5.0%); and in Potter County, 6.6% (up from 5.6%).
