Wolf Puts Pennsylvania 'On Pause' Through Jan. 4: What To Know

HARRISBURG, PA — An array of new coronavirus mitigation measures will go into effect across Pennsylvania on Saturday, as the state grapples with escalating coronavirus cases that are strapping hospital capacities and contributing to a rising number of deaths.

The new restrictions, which Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday, will put Pennsylvania "on pause" until Jan. 4, 2021.

Among the restrictions is a ban on indoor dining, as well as the closure of indoor gym facilities. Plus, youth sports will be paused, retail stores will be under reduced capacity, and gathering sizes have been scaled back once again.

The temporary restrictions are aimed at quelling the spread of the virus in high-risk settings, officials said, pointing to troubling data on rising hospitalizations and deaths.

"Each of the last two days we have reported the highest number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic,” Health Secretary Rachel Levine said Thursday.

As of Friday morning, 5,852 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, with 1,218 of them in the ICU.

“We know that COVID-19 thrives in places where people gather together,” Gov. Wolf said. “Therefore, these mitigation measures target high-risk environments and activities, and aim to reduce the spread of this devastating virus.”

Here's a look at the new mitigation measures:

DINING

• All in-person indoor dining at businesses in the retail food services industry is prohibited, including bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs and private catered events.
• Outdoor dining, takeout food service, and takeout alcohol sales are permitted.

The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association called the new restrictions "another devastating blow to the industry," and several area restaurants publicly decried the move.

GYMS

• Indoor operations at gyms and fitness facilities are prohibited.
• Outdoor facilities and outdoor classes can continue, but all participants must wear face coverings and follow physical distancing requirements.

Some facilities have already announced their intentions to defy the new closure orders, including the Newtown Athletic Club in Bucks County.

SPORTS

• All sports are paused at K-12 public schools, nonpublic schools, private schools and club, travel, recreational, intermural and intramural sports.
• Professional or collegiate sports activities may continue in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health. Spectators are not permitted.

The decision to pause youth sports comes hours before the PIAA winter sports season was set to formally begin on Friday, despite strong recommendations from school groups such as the Pennsylvania Principals Association that it be delayed. READ MORE: As PA Pauses Winter Sports, Parent Groups Push Back

RETAIL

• In-person businesses serving the public may only operate at up to 50 percent of the maximum capacity.

GATHERINGS

• Indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited.
• Outdoor gatherings and events of more than 50 people are prohibited.
• Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations during religious services. However, the governor notes: "These institutions are strongly encouraged to find alternative methods for worship, as in-person gatherings pose a significant risk to participants at this time."

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