By: KDKA-TV News Staff
HARRISBURG (KDKA) – At a press conference held on Monday by Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, she confirmed that the restrictions imposed by the Department of Health more than two weeks ago would not be lifted before January 4 and would give no clarification as to whether these restrictions could be extended beyond January 4.
“We will be having these discussions with the Governor’s Office and making our recommendations obviously this week in preparation for January 4,” said Levine.
Levine gave no details of any potential plans after Jan. 4, when questioned by reporters.
Levine also said that as of Monday, “there have been no reports of complications or any reactions in Pennsylvania” as more and more health workers and now people in long-term care facilities receive the vaccine.
RELATED STORIES
In response to the various establishments that defy restrictions, Levine said he was concerned about the impact that these open establishments would have on their respective communities.
“What I would say to the facilities and the clients of those facilities is that I care about their health. I think they’re exposing themselves, their families, their loved ones and the facility’s staff [by continuing] to stay open and continue[ing] to go against orders, and they are putting their community at risk of continuing the spread of COVID-19, ”she said.
Levine called for Pennsylvania residents to follow the restrictions and for bar and restaurant owners to close their premises in accordance with mitigation orders.
The mitigation orders were originally announced on December 11.