Restaurants in response to COVID-19 regulations

On December 12, 2020, a new guideline was put in place for all restaurants in Pennsylvania to be only open for takeout and outdoor dining until January 4, 2021. The Department of Health stated that “*Effective December 12, 2020 through January 4, 2021 in-person dining and alcohol sales is prohibited as part of the commonwealth’s Limited Time Mitigation Order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.” While slowing the spread of COVID-19 is the main concern, small business owners are worried about their businesses going bankrupt after having to close this past fall. If all safety guidelines are being followed, why should businesses have to close? 

This past fall, all non-essential businesses were shut down, causing millions of small businesses to go bankrupt. The ones that remain in business seem to be struggling to keep up with bills. Putting another mandate to close these small businesses down is doing nothing but killing them. The customers that feel comfortable dining indoor should have the option to do so. Keeping a safe distance of 6 feet between tables, sanitizing extremely well, and customers doing their part to wear a mask when not eating, the spread of COVID-19 can be stopped even with indoor dining. 

Despite Governor Tom Wolf’s mandate to shut down indoor dining, hundreds of business owners throughout the state of Pennsylvania remained open during this time. While the Department of Health orders to close, these business owners were fighting to stay in business. If they were to have to close again, how could their business keep from going bankrupt? These businesses have been on close watch by the Department of Health, some even being fined for choosing to stay open. Follow safety guidelines, keep indoor dining available, and watch businesses continue to succeed.