COVID-19 plateauing across Pa., but leaders worry holiday gatherings could spark another surge

ALLEGHENY CO., Pa. — For months, Pennsylvania health leaders -- including Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine -- have urged the public not to gather for holidays in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

This past week of Christmas and upcoming New Year’s celebrations are no different.

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“It’s critically important during the holiday as we approach New Year’s to continue mitigation efforts, avoid large and small gatherings and not to get together in gatherings over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day because that could significantly stream the virus,” Levine said Monday.

Levine said COVID-19 cases appear to plateauing throughout the state, but that could change depending on how people celebrated Christmas and the upcoming new year.

According to Levine, officials are concerned Pa. could see a surge in January if people gather and travel around to see friends and family.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s coronavirus mandates expire on Jan. 4, which means restaurants, gyms and other businesses are scheduled to reopen days after the new year.

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Levine said despite the recent lower COVID-19 numbers, there is currently no plan to lift those restrictions before Jan. 4, but she will be discussing new recommendations with Wolf this week.

Meanwhile, businesses who were forced to close are eager to get their doors back open -- pending a final decision from state leaders.

Mezza Luna Cafe in the Northside has its tables and chair six feet apart, with hand sanitizer out and available. It’s been take-out only for weeks, but owner Sherri Kelly told Channel 11 her small coffee shop -- along with other similar businesses -- should not have had to close.

“We aren’t a bar. We don’t serve alcohol, so I’ don’t really think us being lumped in with that ‘group’ is fair,” Kelly said.

Business owners react as leaders say gatherings could spark another surge in COVID-19 cases