“We are in new territory,” Wolf said on Saturday, as the number of COVID-19 cases grew.
Commonwealth Media Services
Wolf orders bars and restaurants to close dine-in service in five counties
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Ed Mahon
Commonwealth Media Services
“We are in new territory,” Wolf said on Saturday, as the number of COVID-19 cases grew.
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Gov. Tom Wolf ordered bars and restaurants in five Pennsylvania counties to close dine-in service for 14 days, the latest step in the effort to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Wolf announced the order Sunday evening. It applies to Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware and Allegheny counties. The closure order is effective as of 12:01 a.m. ET Monday.
“I understand that this is disruptive to businesses as well as patrons who just want to enjoy themselves, but in the best interest of individuals and families in the mitigation counties, we must take this step,” Wolf said in a statement.
Wolf says he has the authority to order the disclosures under the disaster declaration he signed March 6. The news release from the administration says businesses that don’t follow the order could face enforcement actions but it doesn’t go into detail on what those actions would be.
Businesses can still offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service.
Related: Gov. Tom Wolf claims expansive powers as coronavirus crisis deepens
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