Wolf Orders Dine-In Service At Restaurants, Bars In Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery Counties To Close For 14 Days

Under the guidance of the Department of Health, using his authority under the state’s COVID-19 disaster declaration order, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all restaurants and bars to close their dine-in facilities at 12:01 AM on Monday, March 16 in Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties for 14 days (March 30) to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Businesses that offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service may continue to do so, but eating and drinking inside restaurants and bars is temporarily prohibited.

Businesses that do not adhere to this order could face enforcement actions.

The administration has been working with business owners as well as state and local officials to gather input on this decision. The Wolf Administration will continue to monitor COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, and at the end of 14 days will reevaluate and decide whether continued mitigation is needed.

“Ensuring the health and safety of Pennsylvanians is the highest priority as the state grapples with a growing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, and as the virus continues to spread, it is in the best interest of the public to encourage social distancing by closing restaurants and bars temporarily,” Gov. Wolf said. “I understand that this is disruptive to businesses as well as patrons who just want to enjoy themselves, but in the best interest of individuals and families in the mitigation counties, we must take this step.”

“Social distancing is essential as more Pennsylvanians are testing positive for COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “By taking these steps now, we can protect public health and slow the spread of this virus.”

The administration has strongly urged non-essential businesses in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties to close during their county-specific mitigation periods to protect employees, customers, and suppliers and limit the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces. Allegheny County has adopted similar mitigation efforts.

For the latest information on the coronavirus and precautions to take in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Health’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage, Follow them on Twitter, or Like them on Facebook.

The Department of Health has also issued coronavirus guidance for businesses generally.

NewsClip:
AP: Gov. Wolf Shuts Dine-In Service At Restaurants, Bars In Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery Counties
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