Philly Bans Dine-In Service At Restaurants, Bars Amid Coronavirus

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia officials Monday said only essential commercial establishments should remain open through at least March 27 and that gatherings should be no larger than 50 people due to the new coronavirus crisis in the region.

During a press conference Monday, city officials said a precise end date for the non-essential closure has not been set.

Officials said the follow are essential businesses:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores
• Big box stores
• Pharmacies
• Discount stores, mini-markets, and non-specialized food stores
• Daycare centers
• Hardware stores
• Gas stations
• Banks
• Post Offices
• Laundromats and dry cleaners
• Veterinary clinics for domestic pets and pet stores

Sign up for Patch news alerts.

Also deemed essential are commercial establishments that sell any of the following: frozen products; non-specialized stores of computers, telecommunications equipment, audio and video consumer electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass; electrical, plumbing and heating material; automotive fuel; domestic fuel; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products medication not requiring medical prescription; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; and soaps and detergents.

>>>RELATED: Nine Coronavirus Cases In Philadelphia Now<<<

After Mayor Jim Kenney said Sunday that residents should visit restaurants and bars to support wait staffs, the city now says food establishments cannot allow dine-in service.

The ban on dine-in service goes into effect 5 p.m. Monday.

Eateries can only offer online and phone orders for delivery and pick-up as long as the restrictions are in place.

Officials said health inspectors as well as members of the Licenses and Inspections Department will be out enforcing the closure. Anyone who sees patrons dining in an establishment should call the health department at 215-685-7495 to report it.

When asked about potential arrests for allowing dine-in service, Managing Director Brian Abernathy said he "can't imagine" anyone would be arrested for keeping their dine-in service open.

"These new restrictions come in response to the latest data we have on COVID-19. These changes are not made lightly, and we are well aware of the potentially devastating effect they will have on the businesses and workers of Philadelphia," Kenney said. "Our Administration is actively developing grant and loan programs aimed at business and job preservation. For now, I urge all businesses and residents to observe these restrictions so that the threat of this virus can quickly be eliminated."

Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said the decision to lift the ban on dining in will be made as case counts decrease, but did not offer a specific number at which the ban would be

Additionally, non-essential government operations are halted, and all government buildings will be closed to the public, effective Tuesday.

Then, starting Wednesday, all non-essential city workers will not need to report to work. Individual department heads are currently determining what operations are essential. Employees will be receiving additional information on their status in the next 24 hours. Essential operations will include public safety, health and human services, utilities, sanitation, and payroll.

The City and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp. are teaming up for a program to support Philadelphia businesses, help maintain payroll obligations, and preserve jobs impacted by the spread of COVID-19. This will be a tiered program that aims to provide targeted support for small businesses.

The program will include a mix of new grants and zero-interest loans for Philadelphia businesses that make under $5 million in annual revenue. PIDC will continue to offer its existing lending programs for small and midsize businesses on flexible terms to provide working capital, fund contract receivables, refinance high-interest debt, and meet other needs.

More details about the program, including how businesses can apply, are forthcoming.

Residents can call the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline at 1-800-722-7112. The Helpline — free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week — is staffed by trained healthcare providers and is for anyone in the Greater Philadelphia area, including the public and healthcare providers, to help answer questions about COVID-19.

Residents can get COVID-19 updates sent to their phones by texting COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive free alerts with information and updates from the Health Department.