Should Pa. ban indoor dining for the 4th time? A COVID-19 task force thinks so

The White House COVID-19 Task Force is recommending that Pennsylvania ban indoor dining for the fourth time.

In a report issued last week, there is a list of recommended additional mitigation measures for Pennsylvania to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

That included extending the indoor dining ban until at least Jan. 25.

The state lifted the ban on Jan. 4, after a three-week shutdown during the holiday.

Restaurant owners told Channel 11 they are still playing catch-up after that tremendous blow and trying to make enough to pay the bills, as well as staff.

Channel 11 asked an infectious disease doctor with UPMC why the task force could’ve made the recommendation.

“My guess is Pennsylvania has really been behind in terms of vaccination of the general public a number of other states have started vaccinating people over 65 years old, so I think the only people coming into restaurants have not started the immunization process,” said Dr. Dave Weber.

Dr. Weber went on to say that the COVID-19 surge is worse than what we saw over the summer, but with proper restrictions, he says indoor dining can be done safely.

In the meantime, owners are pushing to reopen bar service.

In recent press briefings, state leaders have not indicated that more measures will be put in effect for bars and restaurants anytime soon.

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