Restaurant Restrictions Eased In Philly: What You Need To Know

PHILADELPHIA — Restaurant restrictions in Philadelphia have eased up as of Friday.

Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley last week said restaurants can have greater indoor capacity starting Friday.

Restaurants can now increase their indoor capacity to 50 percent.

And, restaurants meeting the city's enhanced ventilation standards can increase indoor capacity to 75 percent.

However, all restaurants must keep at least 6 feet of space from chair back to chair back.

Additionally, table size limits has increased for indoor dining, as tables will be able to accommodate six people.

Diners no longer need to be from the same household to sit at tables together.

Restaurants with bars can also now offer limited bar seating. Groups of four or fewer from the same household must be kept at least six feet apart and there must be a barrier between patrons and the bartender.

Outdoor dining table sizes increased to 10 people, which matches the state's guidance.

Indoor catered social events, such as weddings, are now permitted.

These events will have limitations of up to 75 people or 25 percent capacity, which includes event staff. However, if cases continue to decrease, the limit will be 150 people starting May 21.

Outdoor event capacities increased to 50 percent, too.

As of Friday, the city identified 234 more cases, bringing the total case county to date to 140,663.

No additional deaths were reported Friday, keeping the death toll at 3,501. Of the 3,501 total deaths, 1,194 or 34 percent were long-term care facility residents.

As for hospitals, 379 patients with coronavirus are being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 52 on ventilators.