By: KDKA TV News Staff
HARRISBURG (KDKA) – In a press conference that dr. Pennsylvania Health Minister Rachel Levine on Monday confirmed that the restrictions placed by the Department of Health more than two weeks ago would not be lifted before January 4 and that there would be no clear indications as to whether the restrictions could possibly be extended to January 4th.
“We will hold the discussions with the Governors’ Office and, of course, prepare our recommendations this week in preparation for January 4th,” Levine said.
Levine did not want to elaborate on potential plans on Jan. 4, at the request of 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 care workers and now people in long-term care facilities receive the vaccine.
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Responding to several institutions defying the restrictions, Levine said she was concerned about the impact the open institutions will have on their respective communities.
‘What I would say to the facilities and patrons of these facilities is that I worry about their health. I think they are exposing themselves, their families, their loved ones and the staff of the facilities [by continuing] to stay open and keep going[ing] to go against the orders and endanger their community to continue the distribution of COVID-19, ”she said.
Levine urged Pennsylvanians to comply with the restrictions and that bar and restaurant owners should close their facilities in accordance with the mitigation orders.
The mitigation orders were originally announced on December 11th.