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Two-thirds of the COVID-related deaths in Lancaster County (49 of 73) have happened in October and November, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced at a news conference this afternoon.
Gaylor Baird says there is uncontrolled spread of coronavirus in the community. Positivity rate has been ~25% for weeks, the 7-day rolling average has gone up for weeks, and officials believe hospitalizations have not yet peaked.
LGB and Health Director Pat Lopez are announcing new restrictions that go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday (TOMORROW) thru Dec. 18:
1. Bars limited to carryout
2. Restaurants stop serving at 8:45 p.m., close 9 p.m., can do takeout after 9 p.m.
3. Gyms limited to 25% occupancy
1. Bars limited to carryout
2. Restaurants stop serving at 8:45 p.m., close 9 p.m., can do takeout after 9 p.m.
3. Gyms limited to 25% occupancy
4. No contact team sports allowed at gyms (all ages)
5. Indoor gatherings limited to 10 ppl
6. Outdoor gatherings limited to 25 ppl
(Exceptions to grocery, retail stores)
7. All large events postponed
8. Masks required unless 6 ft separation available
5. Indoor gatherings limited to 10 ppl
6. Outdoor gatherings limited to 25 ppl
(Exceptions to grocery, retail stores)
7. All large events postponed
8. Masks required unless 6 ft separation available
Mayor says the outbreak is so widespread and so severe, "we are looking at more widespread measures." It's too much to identify granular data where spread is occurring. Going anywhere outside your home puts you at risk for contracting COVID at this point, LGB says.
"We do have power against this virus," she says.
Wear masks, avoid crowds, confined spaces, close contacts, wash hands, etc.
She says if people do the right things, and the spread gets under control, the DHM can be lifted early.
Wear masks, avoid crowds, confined spaces, close contacts, wash hands, etc.
She says if people do the right things, and the spread gets under control, the DHM can be lifted early.
Q: Is it safe for students to go back to schools after the Thanksgiving break?
A: There's no chance everyone can be 100% safe, but there are good safeguards in schools to cut down on transmission. Most spread has occurred outside the controls put in place.
A: There's no chance everyone can be 100% safe, but there are good safeguards in schools to cut down on transmission. Most spread has occurred outside the controls put in place.
Lopez says this has been at the center of recent discussions.
"I would urge teachers, students, parents, to follow the guidelines to monitor children before sending them back," Lopez says. "We still believe school is the safest place for students."
"I would urge teachers, students, parents, to follow the guidelines to monitor children before sending them back," Lopez says. "We still believe school is the safest place for students."
Q from @LJSRileyJohnson: Bar owners concerned closure could be devastating for their business, any economic relief coming?
A from LGB: "I share their concern. We've done everything we can to avoid this place." The situation is critical and steps need to be taken.
A from LGB: "I share their concern. We've done everything we can to avoid this place." The situation is critical and steps need to be taken.
LGB says the promise of a vaccine is on the horizon, but steps need to be taken before then. There is NO funding available to direct to businesses that will be closed down in the short term.
