No Bar, Restaurant Restriction Changes Announced For Philadelphia

Philadelphia PA

16 March, 2021

2:01 PM

Description

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia officials Tuesday said they have no plans yet to ease local restrictions on bars and restaurants despite Monday's announcement from the state that allows more service options in bars and restaurants. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley during a news conference Tuesday said there is no word on if and when the city's restrictions on bars and restaurants could be eased following the announcement from Gov. Tom Wolf's office Monday that changes the state's restrictions on bars, restaurants, and more "We're still concerned about the high, and possibly rising, COVID rates," he said. "The numbers are quite high." Farley Tuesday reported 312 more cases, bringing the city's total to 117,768. He said the week ending March 7 saw 262 avg new daily cases and a 5 percent positivity rate. The week before that has an average of 275 new daily cases and a 3.9 percent positivity rate. With that in mind, Farley said officials are reviewing the state's new guidelines, which go into effect April 4, and make a decision on how to move ahead in the city. "If we feel that it's safe, it's ok for Philadelphia to be in line with Pennsylvania, we'll do that," he said. "That will make it simpler for everyone. But if we feel our residents need more protection we may be more restrictive [than the state]." Farley said he hopes to have details later this week or early next week and plans to announce them at a new conference.