Top Stories

Sunshine, warm temps give air of hope that things could soon start getting back to normal

PITTSBURGH — The warm weather gave us a taste of spring Wednesday. With the good news that COVID-19 cases are down in the area, many people are hopeful that we could soon see things start getting back to normal.

“We had another week of reassuring case numbers,” said Allegheny County Health Department director Dr. Debra Bogen. “I know there are plans in the works for events, gatherings, weddings, parties, get-togethers.”

Some major events in Pittsburgh were already canceled or postponed, like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the marathon.

City leaders said the fate of festivals and fireworks is in the hands of the state. Outdoor events might be possible if they’re smaller in scale and people are able to spread out with masks. It’s too early to tell what events like Picklesburgh, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Fourth of July and concerts could look like if they’re able to go on.

“We’re excited to get baseball back on the field,” said Pittsburgh Pirates president Travis Williams. “We’re optimistic we’ll be able to get fans back in the stands as well.”

The Pirates are hosting mass vaccination clinics around Opening Day on April 1. Team officials said there are talks with Gov. Tom Wolf’s office and the Department of Health to have fans at PNC Park.

As for weddings, block parties and graduations, the goal is to get outdoors with masks and social distancing.

“I hope to be able to by spring have some sort of in-person graduation, an in-person get-together with family and friends just to celebrate the big accomplishment,” Ryan Brocollo said.

There’s no indication that the restrictions for bars, restaurants and businesses will be lifted anytime soon, though.