New COVID-19 restrictions in Pa. will last ‘until further notice’ — behavior, numbers will dictate how long - PennLive

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There’s no estimated end to the new restrictions imposed on Pennsylvania restaurants, bars and gatherings in response to a new wave of COVID-19 infections.

“While this step may feel like a move back toward the yellow phase, we need individuals to see the seriousness of the situation and to take personal action,” state health department spokesman Nate Wardle said.

Gov. Tom Wolf offered no estimated duration on Thursday afternoon.

“We’re trying to shut this down in a short, focused way so that all of us can get back to work as quickly as possible,” he said. “If we do nothing, we’re going to be overwhelmed by this disease, and that’s going to be a bad thing for all corners of the economy.”

Wolf announced the restrictions Wednesday, saying contact tracing has shown much of the surge results from younger people socializing in eating and drinking establishments while ignoring social distancing and the need for face masks.

However, the health department later said, “we do not currently systematically compile information such as how many cases in [Pennsylvania] originated from bars, restaurants or churches.”

Given that, Wolf was questioned Thursday on how the state can assure the public the restrictions on restaurants, bars and establishments including wineries are truly justified and focused on the right things.

Wolf said he believes the state can produce the data to back up the decision. He added “with what we know, that’s where we saw the outbreak. That’s where people were congregating together. That’s where they were in close contact … we put all the evidence together and that seems to be the source.”

Wolf has said the surge could interfere with reopening schools in six weeks if it isn’t brought under control.

State health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the key to controlling the surge and moving toward normal is to social distance, wear masks in all public and outdoor situations where other people are within six feet, and wash hands frequently.

As Wolf announced the new restrictions to news reporters, he communicated by video conference with Dr. David Rubin, who is involved with a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia model that apparently played a role in the decision.

The model looks at hotspots all over the country. Rubin described a wave of infections flowing into Pennsylvania from places including Cleveland, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.

Wolf also blamed much of on interstate travel, southern states that didn’t react as aggressively and reopened quickly, and a lack of a coordinated national response.

Wardle said state officials will be watching assorted models and data in deciding when restrictions can be lifted.

He said much focus will be on 7- and 14-day averages of new cases and the rate of positive tests.

As of early this week, about 4.4% of COVID-19 tests were coming back positive in Pennsylvania. But rates varied substantially by region. Among counties with large population centers, rates ranged from 7.8% in Allegheny County to about 2% in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.

Levine said a rate under 5% is good, while a rate that goes above 5% is bad, especially when it approaches 10%.

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New COVID-19 restrictions in Pa. will last ‘until further notice’ — behavior, numbers will dictate how long - PennLive
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