COVID Spike Puts Pa. on Pause Again

Pennsylvania is again clamping down on what residents can do in an effort to gain control of an explosion in COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth.

Governor Tom Wolf December 10 announced he was putting Pennsylvania on "Pause" with the goal of reducing the spread of the coronavirus, keeping hospitals and healthcare workers from becoming overwhelmed and to help residents get safely through the holidays.

Under the restrictions that start at 12:01 a.m. December 12 and continue through 8 a.m. January 4, indoor dining at restaurants, bars, social clubs and private catered events will be prohibited while outdoor dining with restrictions and takeout are still permitted, indoor gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, religious organizations are excluded from the limits but encouraged to find alternative methods of worship, outdoor gatherings and events of more than 50 people are banned, businesses are limited to up to 50 percent capacity, indoor operations at gyms and fitness facilities are prohibited but outdoor facilities can continue with face coverings and physical distancing, indoor entertainment including theaters, bowling alleys, casinos and private clubs are prohibited from operating and school sports and other extracurricular activities are halted.

Governor Wolf himself tested positive for COVID-19 this week and is in isolation. First Lady, Francis Wolf has tested negative but is quarantined as per Centers for Disease Control recommendations. The Governor says he's not experiencing symptoms and is working from home. Several members of his administration have also tested positive in recent days and are in quarantine.