Philadelphia eases some restrictions; limited sports attendance to be allowed
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia officials announced Friday that several restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eased as infection rates continue to fall and vaccination rates climb.
Among the announcements: some fans will be allowed to attend sporting events.
However, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said the relaxed restrictions are dependent on consistent, universal mask use.
The following goes into effect on Monday, March 1:
SPORTING EVENTS
-Gatherings will be allowed up to state limits
-2,500 total people for outdoor events, 500 total people for indoor events
"If the state relaxes its limits further, we'll consider if we want to match that," said Farley. "It's one step closer to us returning to normal."
This is good news for Phillies fans, considering Citizens Bank Park is an outdoor venue. The Phillies home opener is on April 1 and season tickets are advertised for sale.
However, fans won't be allowed inside the Wells Fargo Center for Sixers and Flyers games just yet.
The total number of people allowed includes not just fans, but staffers as well. The WFC said it requires more than 500 employees on-site for a game when fans are in attendance.
"We are in direct communication with city and state officials to determine when we can further increase our capacity and welcome fans back to the arena," said Valerie Camillo, President of Business Operations for the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center.
RESTAURANTS
-Up to 6 people allowed per table outdoors and they are not required to be from same household
-Current indoor capacity limits and requirements still apply
RETAIL STORES
-Increase to 20 people per 1000 square feet
SENIOR CENTERS
-Allowed to open, but everyone will have to wear K-N95 masks or double-mask
-No more than 25 people in any one room or group
THEATERS
-Allowed to serve food in movie theaters
-Groups no larger than 4
CATERED EVENTS
-Indoor catered events still prohibited
-Outdoor events limit increased to 100 people
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
-Increase to 20% capacity
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