Philadelphia, PA - After 14 months of Philadelphians working together to slow the spread of COVID-19, due to the continuing drop in newly reported cases, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) announced a further relaxation of the current Safer-at-Home restrictions beginning May 21.
Philadelphia Will Lift Most Covid Limits
Additionally, PDPH announced that all Safer at Home restrictions will be ending, except for mask requirements, on Friday, June 11.
Relaxing these restrictions is possible because of the immense sacrifices that Philadelphians made over the last year and because more Philadelphians are getting vaccinated every day.
In a press release, the city announced this is a big moment for us, Philly, but we need to continue to reopen safely. We need everyone to continue wearing masks around others and get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Encourage others in your life to get vaccinated too. It’s the best way to ensure that our city can stay open and get back to all the things we’ve missed.
The city announced that on Friday, May 21, the following changes will go into effect.
Restaurants
- They can still operate at 50 percent maximum capacity or 75 percent full capacity if they can meet enhanced ventilation standards.
- The city will reduce the distance between chair backs from six feet to three feet.
- The requirement for alcohol to be served with food will end.
- Mask requirements remain in effect for those not seated or eating.
Offices, retail stores, bowling alleys, museums, and libraries
- Will be allowed to operate with no density limits, but mask requirements are still in effect.
Catered events
Indoor catered events
- Will be allowed to operate at 25 percent of the occupancy limit.
- Caterers must serve food at the table only.
- A maximum of 250 persons, including staff, will be allowed if there will be no music, dancing, or alcohol.
- A maximum of 150 persons, including staff, will be allowed to partake in music, dancing, or alcohol.
Outdoor catered events
- Can operate at 50% of occupancy limit, no cap on the number of persons attending.
- Gyms and indoor pools
- Will be allowed to operate at 75 percent of occupancy limit or 15 persons per 1,000 square feet.
- Exercise class size will be capped at 25 persons.
Outdoor pools
- Can operate with no density limits or maximum capacity.
Gatherings and theaters
Indoor
- Will be allowed to operate at 50 percent of the occupancy limit.
- Must enforce a minimum of three feet of distance between persons of different groups.
Outdoor
- If the site has fixed seating, it will operate at 50 percent of the occupancy limit.
- If the site has no seating, a maximum of 33 persons per 1,000 square feet is allowed.
- Must enforce a minimum of three feet of distance between persons of different groups.
Casinos
- Can operate at 50 percent maximum capacity or at 75 percent full capacity to meet enhanced ventilation standards.
- Must enforce a minimum of three feet of distance between persons of different groups.
- Casinos can sell alcohol at gaming machines.
- Mask requirements are still in effect.
All Safer at Home restrictions will be ending, except mask requirements, on Friday, June 11.
