Philadelphia Imposes Strict COVID-19 Closures; Pittsburgh Next?

PITTSBURGH, PA — Facing an alarming increase in coronavirus cases, Philadelphia on Monday imposed new restrictions that prohibit indoor dining, limit gatherings and mandated various capacity restrictions for stores, churches and more. The restrictions will last at least until Jan. 1.

Allegheny County Health Department officials haven't yet signaled Pittsburgh and its suburbs will adopt similar measures. But the county on Sunday reported 527 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily total since the outbreak began in March, and another 500 cases on Monday.

Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen has called the continued increase in new county coronavirus cases "beyond concerning."

"Despite our cautionary messages, the number of cases is continuing to increase rapidly," she said. "While we are better prepared today than when we first began seeing cases in March, we must still be proactive in reducing the spread of the virus."

That hints that the county could be close to considering some of the moves Philadelphia announced on Monday, which include:

• High schools and colleges moving to online instruction only, with the exception of clinical instruction for students in health sciences.
• Indoor dining at restaurants and other food service businesses.
• The closure of theaters and performing spaces; bowling alleys, arcades and game spaces; museums and libraries; casinos.

Also banned are recreational activities and sports for youth, community groups, and schools, the opening of gyms and indoor exercise classes.

Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that no fans would be admitted into the team's stadium, Lincoln Financial Field. The Steelers currently are allowing about 5,500 fans into Heinz Field for their games.