PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen on Friday announced new rules that mirror state restrictions on bars and restaurants to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The ban on indoor dining imposed by the county earlier this month will be lifted at 5 p.m. Friday. In addition:

• Indoor and outdoor seating areas for sit-down, dine-in service at bars, restaurants, and private catered events shall be closed to patrons by 11 p.m. Take-out sales continue to be permitted after that in accordance with state law.
• Capacity for indoor dining is limited to 25%
• The use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited at all indoor and outdoor dining facilities and indoors at casinos.
• Events and gatherings other than those in businesses in the retail food services industry are limited to:
  • Indoor events and gatherings of more than 25 persons are prohibited; and
  • Outdoor events and gatherings of more than 50 persons are prohibited.

The announcement comes a day after Gov. Tom Wolf issued orders that close bars unless they also offer dine-in meals and limits capacity to 25% capacity.