Pittsburgh Accelerates Efforts To Limit Coronavirus Impact

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh officials outlined an aggressive plan Wednesday to potentially minimize the effects of the coronavirus around the city, including the unprecedented cancellation of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said the city also wants bars and restaurants to lower their maximum occupancy to allow more space between patrons. He noted that the city's bar task force will be out Saturday night and will strictly enforce occupancy rates. "If they are one person over, the bar will be shut down for the remainder of the evening," he said.

The public safety department has sent letters to local restaurants, bars and clubs reminding them to regularly clean restrooms, have soap and hand sanitizer available at all times, use disposable cups, keep high-contact surfaces clean and advise workers not to come to work if sick.

Mayor Bill Peduto's administration banned all international air travel by employees for city business and mandated that any national travel must be approved by the mayor's office. Also banned were all city government-affiliated meetings of more than 50 people.

City officials also are devising work at home plans for employees to be implemented if needed.

In other local coronavirus developments:

• The U.S. Department of State announced that the G7 meeting that was to be held in Pittsburgh March 24 and 25 will now be held via a teleconference. Foreign ministers from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada were going to attend the meeting.
• The University of Pittsburgh announced it was suspending face-to-face classes and moving to online instruction.

• The Allegheny County Health Network announced patient visitor restrictions at its hospitals.

• The Penguins announced they would still be playing in front of fans at PPG Paints Arena and detailed new safeguards for the building.

• Edinboro and Slippery Rock universities also announced the temporary suspension of face-to-face classes in favor of online instruction.

While there are no confirmed coronavirus cases yet in Pittsburgh or Allegheny County, the county health department on Wednesday reminded people to take proactive measures that will help stop the virus from spreading:

• Avoid large events and mass gatherings, as well as other settings where you would have close contact (within six feet) with a large group of people.

• Continue proactive hygiene measures such as washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and frequently cleaning highly-touched surfaces.

• Stay home if you are sick and call your primary care provider to discuss next steps.

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