PHOTO: OFFICE OF GOV. TOM WOLF

In another sign of the slow return to normalcy, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday that beginning on April 4, bars and restaurants can resume alcohol sales without food purchase, resume bar service, and increase their capacity rate from 50% to 75%, as long the establishment’s management has gone through the online self-certification process.  The current 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales will also be lifted.

“Pennsylvanians have stepped up and done their part to help curb the spread of COVID-19,” Wolf says in a statement. “Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week – all very positive signs.

“The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations.”

Wolf says that rules regarding mask-wearing and social distancing remain in place.

“We’ve come so far and now is not the time to stop the safety measures we have in place to protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” the governor says. “Keep wearing a mask, social distancing, and, please, get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”

Other types of businesses, including gyms, casinos, theaters and malls, can increase their capacity to 75% on April 4.