Gov. Wolf raises capacity limits on event spaces, rescinds travel restrictions

Pennsylvania officials eased some covid-19 restrictions effective immediately, specifically those orders pertaining to occupancy limits on indoor and outdoor events, paving the way for the Penguins and Pirates to allow fans at PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park.

The new orders, announced by Gov. Tom Wolf, raised the occupancy limits for indoor events to 15% of the maximum occupancy — regardless of venue size.

For months, indoor event spaces had been limited to either 5% or 10% of their maximum occupancy, and no events were permitted to have more than 500 people.

The Penguins announced they can allow 2,800 fans into the arena, and tickets will be available to Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, with season ticket holders receiving priority.

“It is a great day for hockey, indeed, and we are very excited for our fans,” team president and Chief Executive David Morehouse said in a statement.

Season ticket holders will get presale access to tickets, and they’ll receive information on that process directly. Remaining tickets will be available to the public.

Limits for outdoor events, currently 20% of the space’s maximum occupancy, also were eased. Prior orders capped capacity at 2,500 people for venues with a capacity of more than 10,000. For smaller venues with occupancy limits of up to 2,000, capacity was limited to 15%, and for venues with capacity between 2,000 and 10,000, the limit was 10%.

The new limits mean the Pirates will be able allow spectators at PNC Park for the upcoming season, including the April 1 home opener against the Chicago Cubs.

Team President Travis Williams said in a statement that details on ticket availability and safety measures will be released in the coming days.

Wolf said the change in capacity limits is a balance between protecting public health and promoting economic recovery.

“Pennsylvania is taking a measured approach to revising or lifting mitigation orders,” he said in a statement. “The reason we are seeing cases drop can be attributed, in part, to people following the mitigation efforts we have in place.”

The new order also lifted restrictions on out-of-state travel. Previously, those visiting Pennsylvania or returning from an out-of-state visit were required to either quarantine upon arrival or test negative for the virus.

Wolf pointed to the nationwide downward trend in covid-19 cases as part of the decision to rescind the order, which went into effect in November. He said universal mask mandates on public transportation and at transportation hubs have reduced the risk of travel as an avenue of transmission.

Officials said the overall state of the virus in Pennsylvania also played a role in the decisions: The statewide percent-positivity rate is 6.3%, hospital bed availability is at 41% and the incidence rate per 100,000 residents over the past seven days is 101.3.

Other restrictions remain in place: Bars and restaurants must require food sales with alcohol purchases, and indoor dining is capped at 25%. Restaurants that complete an online self-certification process can operate at 50% capacity. Bar seating is prohibited, and alcohol sales must end at 11 p.m.

Other businesses are capped at 75% of their normal capacity, and entertainment venues — casinos, theaters, museums, etc. — are limited to 50%. Gyms and spas also are capped at 50%.