Philadelphia announces new “Safer at Home” restrictions to fight rising COVID-19 cases

from City of Philadelphia

Read the complete article here: https://www.phila.gov/2020-11-16-philadelphia-announces-new-safer-at-home-restrictions-in-response-to-rising-covid-19-cases/

As Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley says, “We may be tired of COVID, but COVID’s not tired of us.”

In response to rising COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia, the City and Department of Public Health have announced changes to restrictions on businesses, events and gatherings, and other activities to help flatten the epidemic curve, prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, and reduce the number of COVID-19 deaths.

The new “Safer at Home” restrictions are effective November 20, 2020 through January 1, 2021. An extension of these restrictions and/or the implementation of additional restrictions is possible depending on trends in the spread of coronavirus in the city.

Businesses with questions about how to comply with the new restrictions should contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services at [email protected] or 215-683-2100.

To report a business or other institution that is not following the City’s COVID-19 restrictions, residents can call 3-1-1 or submit a request on Philly 311’s website.

Offices are permitted to have only employees that cannot work remotely.

The following businesses and activities are not allowed:

  • High schools and colleges must move to online instruction only, with the exception of clinical instruction for students in health sciences.
  • Indoor dining at restaurants and other food service businesses. (Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining may continue. Additional restrictions on outdoor dining are detailed below.)
  • Theaters, including movie theaters, and other performance spaces.
  • Bowling alleys, arcades and game spaces.
  • Museums.
  • Libraries. (Those serving as Access Centers may continue to operate. Curbside dropoff and pickup services for patrons are allowed.)
  • Casinos.
  • Recreational activities and sports for youth, community groups, and schools.
  • Gyms and indoor exercise classes. (Exercise groups and classes may continue outdoors.)
  • Senior day services (senior centers and adult day care centers) remain closed.