What you need to know about the new COVID-19 restrictions in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania COVID-19 live updates, news and information
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Saturday begins another version of a shutdown across the commonwealth.
The following coronavirus-related restrictions took effect on 12:01 a.m. and will last through 8 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2021:
- Indoor dining is prohibited, including but not limited to, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs, and private catered events. Outdoor dining, take-out food service, and take-out alcohol sales may continue.
- Indoor operations at gyms are prohibited. Outdoor facilities and classes can continue, but all participants must wear face coverings.
- No indoor gatherings of more than 10 people. Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations, but are strongly encouraged to find alternative methods for worship.
- No outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people
- No in-person extracurricular activities allowed
- All sports at K-12 public schools, nonpublic schools, private schools and club, travel, recreational, intermural, and intramural sports are paused.
- In-person businesses must operate at 50% capacity
- All in-person entertainment including, but not limited to, theaters, concert venues, museums, movie theaters, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys and private clubs are prohibited from operation.
But business owners say the fact these restrictions are happening around the holidays is devastating.
RELATED: Business owners turn to community for support as new Pa. restrictions take effect
"Now we're going to have to end up putting more people on unemployment for the holidays," said Matthew Caffrey, owner of Chambers 19 Bistro and Bar in Doylestown. "It's a horrible thing and I think its totally unnecessary."
Caffrey said he's going to continue complying with the orders because he doesn't want to lose his liquor license, but he understands why some business owners won't listen this time.
"Could we see ourselves doing it? Absolutely because if everyone did it, we'd be right along with it," said Caffrey. "For now, we'll do what were supposed to do."
State officials said the restrictions are necessary as COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania are surging with an average of more than 10,000 cases per day.
SEE ALSO: Gov. Wolf provides update on health after testing positive for COVID-19
Bucks County and Philadelphia are seeing the most cases per capita in Pennsylvania.
"It's a shame but people have to learn and the only way its going to get better is to shut down and stay home," said Dorothea Tinari of Buckingham.
The state is also requiring indoors gyms to shut down but a Facebook post by the Newtown Athletic Club says they've had no instances of community spread and are keeping their doors open for loyal members.
Locals say they understand why a business would defy orders.
"A lot of people are losing money and we don't have any stimulus checks, we don't have any support from the government," said Marc Green of Doylestown.
In-person business must operate at 50 percent capacity and all sports at K-12 schools, intramural and travel sports are paused.
MORE PENNSYLVANIA COVID-19 HEADLINES
Gov. Wolf provides update on health after testing positive for COVID-19
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf is continuing to recover at home after testing positive for the coronavirus this week. While announcing new COVID-19 restrictions in the commonwealth on Thursday, Wolf said he first tested positive Tuesday.
Doctor weighs in on Governor Wolf's medical history, COVID-19 recovery
In 2016, Wolf was diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer. A year later he received a clean bill of health. Experts say his cancer should play a minor or even no role in his recovery. Dr. Alexander Kutikov, the Chief of Urologic Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, says data shows a positive outcome for the governor is high.
Delaware Valley health officials prepare for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
'This wave is worse': Emergency room nurse warns about COVID-19 dangers
In her eight years of nursing, Julia Kristen has never seen anything like this.
"I just can't get over how bad it is," said Kristen, who is a registered nurse working in the emergency room of Einstein Hospital. "Just one after another patient coming in so sick."
Fauci: Expect similar COVID travel restrictions, advisories for Christmas holiday
Americans should expect more COVID-related restrictions and advisories for the Christmas holiday, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious disease expert.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
How to properly wash your hands
Which masks protect those around you best?
What to do if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms
