COVID-19 Philadelphia: City relaxes restrictions; some sports attendance is allowed

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Philadelphia officials announced on Friday that several restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be relaxed as infection rates continue to decline and vaccination rates rise.

Among the announcements: some fans will be allowed to attend sporting events.

However, Health Commissioner Dr Thomas Farley said the relaxed restrictions depend on the uniform and universal use of the mask.

The following goes into effect on Monday, March 1:

SPORT EVENTS

-Gatherings will be permitted within state limits

-2,500 people total for outdoor events, 500 people total for indoor events

“If the state loosens its limits further, we’ll look at whether we want to match that,” Farley said. “This is one more step towards our return to normalcy.”

This is great news for Phillies fans, given that Citizens Bank Park is an outdoor venue. The Phillies home opener takes place on April 1 and season tickets are being announced for sale.

However, fans will not yet be allowed into the Wells Fargo Center for Sixers and Flyers.

The total number of people allowed includes not only fans but also staff members. The WFC said it takes more than 500 onsite staff for a game when fans are present.

“We are in direct communication with city and state officials to determine when we can further increase our capacity and welcome fans back to the arena,” said Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Flyers. of Philadelphia and the Wells Fargo Center.

RESTAURANTS

-Up to 6 people authorized per table outside and they do not have to be from the same household
-Current interior capacity limits and requirements still apply

RETAIL STORES

-Increase to 20 people per 1000 square feet

SENIOR CENTERS

-Allowed to open, but everyone will need to wear K-N95 or double-face masks
– No more than 25 people in the same room or in a group

Theaters

-Allowed to serve food in theaters
-Groups no larger than 4

EVENTS PROCESSED

-In-room catering events still prohibited
-The limit for outdoor events has been increased to 100 people

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

-Increase to 20% of the capacity

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