Pa. halts school sports, bans indoor dining

By staff and wire reports

After weeks spent imploring Pennsylvanians to stay home as much as possible, limit their in-person interactions and wear masks, Gov. Tom Wolf and the state secretary of health issued new orders Thursday shutting down indoor dining, gyms, school sports and more.

The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and will last through 8 a.m. Jan. 4.  

The new restrictions were imposed as cases and deaths across the commonwealth continue to swell.

“We all hoped it would not come to this,” Wolf said during a virtual news conference in which he appeared from his home, where he is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.  

“The situation we’re in right now is dire,” he said. “It’s worse than it was in the spring when we first took action to flatten the curve.”

In addition to suspending all indoor dining, the new restrictions cap indoor gatherings at 10 people, outdoor gatherings at 50 people and all other in-person businesses at 50% of normal capacity.

“I think the governor’s draconian lockdown is going to be the end of many of our restaurants and hospitality businesses across Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township. “He’s not using any science or data to justify his lockdowns.”

Theaters, casinos and other entertainment venues must shut down for the duration of the order. While indoor gyms and fitness centers must close, outdoor classes can continue so long as participants wear masks and practice physical distancing.

“I realize that there’s perhaps nothing more important than human interaction, especially within families,” Wolf said. “When you’re not able to see members of your family, that is not a small thing — that’s a big thing. But we need to stay safe. So before you leave home, ask yourself, ‘Do I really need to make this trip?’” 

State Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, is working on a regional rally to protest the new restrictions.

“Unfortunately, this governor has failed the citizens of this commonwealth,” Cook said. “He has lost the trust and faith of the very people he pledged to serve.”

All school sports and extracurricular activities are also suspended, as are other youth sports. Professional and collegiate sports can continue, but without spectators.

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