Allegheny County Health Department officials announced additional mitigation measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the county.
The new order calls for a 'one-week closure of bars, restaurants, and casinos and the cancellation of all activities or events over 25 people for that same one-week time period'. Food establishments will still be able to offer take-out/delivery options.
The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020.
Additionally, Dr. Bogen is recommending a voluntary stay-at-home order protocol to be followed by county residents. They note - 'limiting travel to necessities and other mitigation measures is intended to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our county.'
"I know that people were angry and frustrated with recent developments including the surge in cases, the prior order and recommendations, as well as the state mask order," said Bogen. "I also realize that this newest order won't make any of that better but as Health Department Director, I am charged with protecting, promoting, and preserving the health and well-being of all county residents, particularly the most vulnerable. This is not a decision that I've made lightly but I believe it's necessary based on the new cases in the county and the community spread that is occurring."
Additional details and the full order are available HERE.
The ACHD will continue to track and investigate all cases of COVID-19. Due to the sheer volume of new cases, the outreach from the department to positive cases and close contacts is taking longer than it has in the past. If you are expecting to be contacted, please see the Isolation-Quarantine Basics document. It can be found HERE.
“Please, if you know that you have a positive case of coronavirus or are a close contact, answer your phone and speak with our staff about what steps you must take to keep yourself and others safe,” urged Bogen.
Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images.