Update: Offices, Retail and Museums Can Operate Without Density Limits & Restaurants Up to 75%

Update: Offices, Retail and Museums Can Operate Without Density Limits & Restaurants Up to 75%

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 224 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 141,382. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 74 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.

The Department of Public Health confirmed four additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,533. Of the 3,533 total deaths, 1,196 (34%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 320 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 49 on ventilators.

Updates to Safer-at-Home Restrictions: Due to the continuing drop in new reported cases and ongoing increases in vaccinations, the City has announced a further relaxation of the current Safer-at-Home restrictions. (Note: any guidance documents linked below point to the current restrictions.) On Friday, May 21, the following changes will go into effect:

• Restaurants:
  • Still 50% maximum capacity, or 75% maximum capacity if they can meet enhanced ventilation standards.
  • Distance between chair backs will be reduced from six feet to three feet.
  • The requirement for alcohol to be served with food will end.
  • Mask requirements remain in effect for those not seated or eating.
• Offices:
  • Will be allowed to operate with no density limits, but mask requirements are still in effect.
• Retail stores, bowling alleys, museums, libraries, etc.:
  • Will be allowed to operate with no density limits, but mask requirements are still in effect.
• Gyms and indoor pools:
  • Will be allowed to operate at 75% of occupancy limit or 15 people per 1,000 square feet.
  • Exercise class size will be capped at 25 persons.
• Indoor gatherings and theaters:
  • Will be allowed to operate at 50% of occupancy limit.
  • Must enforce a minimum of three feet of distance between persons of different groups.
• Outdoor gatherings and theaters:
  • If the site has fixed seating, will be allowed to operate at 50% of occupancy limit.
  • If the site has no seating, a maximum of 33 persons per 1,000 square feet are allowed.
  • Must enforce a minimum of three feet of distance between persons of different groups.
• Indoor catered events:
  • Will be allowed to operate at 25% of occupancy limit.
  • Food must be served at the table only.
  • A maximum of 250 persons, including staff, will be allowed if there will be no music, dancing, or alcohol.
  • A maximum of 150 persons, including staff, will be allowed if there will be music, dancing, or alcohol.
• Outdoor catered events:
  • Can operate at 50% of occupancy limit, with no cap on number of persons attending.
• Outdoor pools:
  • Can operate with no density limits or maximum capacity.
• Casinos:
  • Can operate 50% maximum capacity, or 75% maximum capacity if they can meet enhanced ventilation standards.
  • Must enforce a minimum of three feet of distance between persons of different groups.
  • Alcohol can be sold to patrons at gaming machines.
  • Mask requirements are still in effect.

Additionally, the City announced that all Safer at Home restrictions will be ending, with the exception of mask requirements, on Friday, June 11.

“Today’s announcement has been long awaited in our 14-month battle against COVID-19. This moment is possible because of the immense sacrifices that Philadelphians of all ages made over the last year,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “As we look forward to our recovery, which will be strong, we have to stay mindful that the pandemic is not over. We are not yet declaring victory because cases and hospitalizations can rise again at any point if we’re not diligent. I urge everyone to be smart, to continue wearing masks around others, and most importantly, to join the more than half a million fellow Philadelphians who already got their vaccine.”