HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA) – Governor Tom Wolf praises Allegheny County officials for their decision to ban alcohol use on-site as the number of cases increases.
This weekend, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said for the first time since coronavirus cases in the state were confirmed, the county led the number of new cases as daily numbers approached 100.
Allegheny County officials say the bars are one of the reasons we are seeing large increases in positive COVID-19 cases. Authorities point to two local areas that they say are concerning: Oakland and the South Side of Pittsburgh.
Due to the recent increase in new cases of coronavirus, officials have decided not to allow people to consume alcohol in bars. Bars and restaurants can continue to serve food on-site and offer cocktails to go.
At a press conference Monday, Wolf said “Allegheny County has been an area of concern” as cases begin to rise rapidly.
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Governor Wolf praised county leaders and emphasized that the entire state must wear masks and follow other “mitigation requirements.”
The governor’s statement reads in its entirety:
“I commend Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen for the decision to close bars and restaurants for local alcohol sales in Allegheny County beginning June 30. This was the right move to stop the recent surge in COVID-19 cases on their way and to remind all residents and businesses that the best defense we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep it safe Pennsylvanians are continuing to meet the requirement to wear masks, practice social distancing, and follow safety guidelines even and especially during the green phase of reopening. We cannot be accommodating in practicing the measures we know can protect everyone from the spread of this very contagious virus.
“I hope that swift action by the county will result in swift containment and a return to a greater commitment to protect all residents, especially those most vulnerable to COVID-19, and that this action will serve as an example for the rest of counties. that the state continue to follow the mitigation efforts implemented to protect lives and livelihoods.
“Statewide mitigation efforts include the requirement to wear a mask when on business, following occupancy limits in all businesses and meetings, practicing social distancing, hand washing, and surface disinfection: these simple practices can do a big difference in protecting ourselves, our older adults, our neighbors and our communities. Even if you think you won’t get sick, you can, and you can pass the virus on to someone who may not be able to recover as easily. “
The order for bars to end on-site alcohol service went into effect immediately and will begin to apply at 5:00 pm Tuesday. The order will apply to any business establishment in Allegheny County.
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