Health officials urge caution, Philly restaurants prep ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- With 2021 almost in the books and New Year's Eve upon us, local health officials are urging caution.

"We must do the things we can to protect ourselves," said Dr. Delana Wardlaw of Temple Health.

Wardlaw says if you feel any symptoms of COVID to stay home, and if you have a gathering to try and keep it small.

"Try to make sure you're staying with intimate gatherings with personal family and friends, making sure that those people are vaccinated," said Wardlaw.

Action News visited two Old City restaurants that will be open Friday evening for New Year's celebrations.

Shawn Leahey, the general manager of Positano Coast, says they've been dealing with the pandemic for nearly two years and have safe accommodations.

"We have a lot of open airspace. We're going to have excellent ventilation," said Leahey.

If you do join them on New Year's Eve they'll be featuring special martini and oysters.

"Our specialty cocktail is called the Mushroom for Improvement Martini," said Leahey.

Just across the street at The Olde Bar, located in the historic Bookbinders building, they have just a few reservations left open.

"We are serving a special menu of a combination of seafood short-style dining with our greatest hits like an incredible steak. There are options for everybody," said service director Joseph Quintela.

Quintela says the restaurant is following precautions to keep diners safe.

"You're more than six feet apart from tables next door. You're in your own little nook," Quintela said, adding, "We maintained the library theme that Bookbinders implies with accent and touches around the room."