The City Implementing the Following Restrictions From Starting This Friday Until January 1st!
The City Implementing the Following Restrictions From Starting This Friday Until January 1st!
The city has finally revealed their plan to address the second wave of the pandemic. Health Commissioner Thomas Farley, M.D. stated in a live press conference that the city will impose heavy restrictions for the next six weeks to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
Prior to laying out the restrictions Dr. Farley provided some grim stats regarding the recent surge in cases. Some of the eye-popping stats included the fact that there were 654 new cases yesterday alone and over 2,500 since last Friday. Dr. Farley believes that once all the numbers are in Philadelphia will have averaged nearly 700 new cases a day. So far there have been 1,917 total deaths due to COVID-19 and this number could skyrocket if nothing is done at this time. His main object is to stop the mingling of households because experts believe that’s how the virus spreads easiest. So here is what Dr. Farley and the city want to impose:
- Restrictions of indoor gatherings of any kind. This includes family gatherings, visiting friends, holiday gatherings, events, weddings, baby showers etc.
- Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 10% occupancy with a 2,000 person cap
- No fans at sporting events
- No indoor dining
- Any outdoor dining will be restricted to 4 persons per table and guests are strongly encouraged to be from the same household
- Gyms, libraries, museums, etc. will be closed. Only essential businesses will be open
- Employers are strongly encouraged to have all non-essential employees work from home
- College and high schools will operate online only
- Middle and elementary schools may be allowed for in-person instructions as well as childcare facilities
- Retail stores will be allowed to operate but are limited to 5 people per 1,000 sq. ft.
- These restrictions will take effect Friday November 20th until January 1st, 2021
Obviously this lockdown will hinder many from earning their normal income and Mayor Kenney did state on the live conference that he is seeking upwards of over $30 million for both rent assistance as well as small businesses relief funds.
