The governor of Pennsylvania announced a number of new restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Gov. Tim Wolf said a surge in coronavirus cases could eclipse the highest reported numbers in the state and that it was imperative that the government act swiftly to protect residents.
“During the past week, we have seen an unsettling climb in new COVID-19 cases,” Wolf said. “When we hit our peak on April 9, we had nearly two thousand new cases that day with other days’ cases hovering around 1,000. Medical experts looking at the trajectory we are on now are projecting that this new surge could soon eclipse the April peak. With our rapid case increases we need to act again now.”
Health officials in the state reported 994 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, which is still less than half the highest number recorded in April. However, officials urged Pennsylvanians to heed warnings laid out by the governor.
Wolf announced that bars will be allowed to remain open but can only seat up to 25% of their capacity. The governor added that businesses will be required to promote teleworking until the numbers begin to ease up.
