During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said, based on data and increases in positive cases after the past holidays, the city will continue its current restrictions on the riskiest settings until at least on January 15.
This includes restrictions on:
– Inner table
– Meetings and events inside
– Theater
– Casinos
– Colleagues
– Indoor organized sports
Farley said these activities continue to be considered higher risk because they take place indoors and involve a large number of people, people who spend long periods of time together, people who do not wear masks and / or have previously had large outbreaks. due to non-compliance with social distance guidelines.
“We have made progress and saved lives with our safer restrictions at home,” Farley said. “Now we have to be very careful about how we allow the restart of activities – especially during the holiday season – so that we do not ignite a new growth of the virus.”
Philadelphia officials also announced planned changes to the restrictions that will take effect upon Governor Wolf’s January 4 expiration. If case rates do not rise more than expected, the city will allow the resumption of lower-risk businesses and activities.
This includes:
– Museums
– Outdoor sports
– Gyms
– Personal learning for high school
– Outdoor catering events
On Tuesday, health officials announced 928 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 86,723. Officials also confirmed 89 additional deaths in Philadelphia.
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