Philly Restaurants Can Open More Seats If They Pass An Air Test

PHILADELPHIA — While Philadelphia is still under "Safer at Home" restrictions that puts limits on various industries, restaurants in the city have a new way to bolster business during the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials Tuesday announced a new set of enhanced ventilation standards that, if met, allow restaurants to expand their indoor dining capacity.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said restaurants that certify they meet new ventilation standards can operate their indoor dining at up to 50 percent capacity.

Restaurants for the time being can only accommodate 25 percent capacity for all indoor dining.

The new 50 percent capacity will be permitted Friday after a restaurant's application is approved.

Businesses must fill out the application available online here attesting to their compliance with the new standards.

The application and a worksheet to help businesses calculate air changes per hour are posted to the guidance page of the city's coronavirus website.

Farley said Department of Public Health staffers hope to respond to applications within 72 hours of submission.

If restaurants have an HVAC system or standalone ventilation unit in use, the following ventilation standards are required to open to 50 percent capacity:

• HVAC system is fully operational and ventilates the entire indoor dining area.
• At least 20 percent outside is air circulated by HVAC system.
• Filtration MERV 11 or higher.
• At least 15 air exchanges per hour are measured indoors (which means new, fresh air totally replaces all air inside every four minutes)
• Exhaust vent has a minimum 6-foot clearance from tables, chairs, or other items.

Restaurants using window fans instead of an HVAC system must have at least 15 air exchanges per hour must be measured indoors.

Businesses must submit documentation certifying their establishments meet the ventilation standards from their HVAC maintenance company or the establishment proprietor.

During subsequent inspections, the Department of Public Health will validate this information by checking the documentation from the HVAC maintenance company and measuring dining space size, vent sizes, and air flow.