Allegheny County creating coronavirus response team to ensure restaurants, bars follow current regulations

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald just announced a new effort to ensure restaurants and businesses are following all guidelines and restrictions currently in place.

The new Covid Field Response Team will visit restaurants and bars in Allegheny County.

They will make sure tables are spaced far enough apart, and that people are wearing masks and abiding by the 25% capacity limit.

They also want to make sure there’s no smoking, no bar seating and dine-in service ends at 11 p.m.

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Fitzgerald said if the team finds any violations, they will alert the health department’s food safety division and the health department will conduct inspections.

“We are not looking to punish bars and restaurants, but we want everyone to follow the rules, and this team will be providing them with materials and resources that they need to operate safely,” Fitzgerald said.

After an inspection is complete, the name of the restaurant or bar along with a checklist will be posted to the county’s website for the public to see.

The county has received a number of complaints already and the response team will begin visiting those bars and restaurants first.

Allegheny Co. reports less than 100 new positive COVID-19 cases Wednesday, 8 additional deaths Allegheny Co. reports less than 100 new positive COVID-19 cases Wednesday, 8 additional deaths

Cox Media Group