Allegheny County Health Department Lifts Coronavirus Order; State Orders Still Stand
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Allegheny County is lifting its coronavirus order, effective immediately.
Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen announced the county was easing restrictions on Thursday.
However, state orders that weren't tossed in the latest federal ruling -- including mask-wearing, mandatory telework and occupancy restrictions on businesses like bars and restaurants -- are still in place.
As for statewide gathering limits, a federal judge recently ruled those unconstitutional.
"Our case counts continue to remain relatively low and we are doing much better than other areas of the country. Throughout the pandemic, the department has used the most up-to-date information to make decisions to control the spread of the virus in our community. Those efforts have been effective," said Bogen in a statement.
"While we are lifting the more restrictive orders today, we hope that residents will continue to follow guidance in place to protect themselves, their friends and their families."
This also means there's no longer a gathering limit of 100 people outdoors, and there's no smoking ban at dining facilities and casinos.
Restaurants don't have to be closed to patrons by 11 p.m., but there are state orders in effect limiting restaurants to 50 percent occupancy and prohibiting the sale of alcohol unless the drink is served with a meal. Alcohol also can't be sold past 11 p.m.
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The news comes as high schools navigate fans in the stands for football games.
For Friday's game, McKeesport plans to continue what it has been doing, which is allowing each player two tickets each. Masks and social distancing will still be required.
"Our capacity limits have been reasonable within the guidelines, so we're going to continue to do the same things we've been doing for our first two home games," said Charles Kiss, McKeesport's athletic director.
Kiss said attendance numbers may increase in the future, but the school will be cautious.
"So we can continue on with the senior nights and subsequent sports season that are going to be coming, winter seasons, and getting people indoors," Kiss said.