As COVID-19 cases spike, Allegheny County slaps two-week ban on indoor dining at bars, restaurants

As its daily coronavirus case count topped 200 cases yet again Wednesday, Allegheny County has issued a new two-week ban on indoor dining and alcohol service at bars and restaurants to “stem the spread,” according to the health department. 

The new order from Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, replaces previous orders from June 28 that restricted the sale of alcohol in bars, and one from July 2 that closed bars, restaurants and casinos.

Under the new order, bars, restaurants and other food service establishments can continue take-out and delivery of food and alcohol, and dine-in service in outdoor seating areas, but indoor dining is prohibited. Customers are limited to a three-drink maximum in outdoor seating establishments and must be seated at a table. Outdoor dining is allowed until 11 p.m.

Indoor events and gatherings of more than 25 people and outdoor events with more than 50 people are prohibited under the order. 

The county reported 230 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, with two new deaths and seven new hospitalizations. 

Allegheny County moved into the “green” phase of the state’s reopening schedule on June 5. But a surge in new cases for the past several weeks led the health department to close bars, restaurants and casinos for one week as of July 3. The county has said it traced many of the newer cases to people who visited bars and traveled out of state. 

Allegheny Co. sees uptick in COVID-19 cases, suspends on-site alcohol sales