Unfortunately, it’s too soon to strap on your dancing shoes for a concert. For that matter, anyone planning a large corporate event, fundraiser or wedding might want to remain flexible.
Effective today, Gov. Tom Wolf eased up on COVID-19 mitigation restrictions targeting indoor and outdoor public gatherings such as concerts, sporting events and conventions. The new rules still cap venues well below full capacity: 15% of occupancy for indoor events and 20% of occupancy for outdoor events.
While it was welcome news, those who plan events, an industry stretching from caterers to hotels and live music venues, say the increases barely make a dent. They stress the limits make it hard to plan and don’t always make financial sense.
“So much of what we do brings in large crowds and 15% capacity does’t allow us to put on events,” said Anna Vazquez, marketing director for XL Live in Harrisburg. “We basically can’t open until it’s at 50%.”
READ MORE:
- Cumberland County restaurant sells liquor license to 7-Eleven
- Rebel restaurant owners: Why some Pa. establishments are defying COVID orders
- Harrisburg-area restaurant openings in 2021 you don’t want to miss
The venue operates at about a 1,200-person capacity and has been closed since March 2020. It continues to reschedule its lineup of live events and concerts. Vazquez said they are waiting and hoping for some relief by summer.
Under Wolf’s revision, indoor events and gatherings are limited to 15% of maximum occupancy regardless of venue size. Until now, indoor events had been limited to 10% of maximum occupancy for a facility, with an absolute cap of 500.
Outdoor events and gatherings are limited to 20% of maximum occupancy also regardless of venue size, subject to the same distancing and masking requirements. Events are subject to the distancing requirements that would require individual groups in attendance to be separated by at least six feet from other groups in attendance. Face masks would also still be required.
In addition, the governor also lifted orders requiring proof of COVID-19 tests and/or quarantines for Pennsylvanians returning from out-of-state travel.
John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, welcomed the relaxation of travel measures but stressed the 15% ceiling for indoor events is not that much.
“We really needed to get private events at a higher capacity. We wanted to go back to the original green phase at 50%, so that weddings and all the other things that are right around the corner can send out their invitations,” he said.
The wedding industry has been hit hard, as couples postpone and cancel planned ceremonies.
Steve Sanchez, president of the JDK Group Catering & Events in Camp Hill, said they have witnessed a recent surge in cancellations for events scheduled for April through June because no prior information was released about guest counts. He emphasized how advance notice is required when planning events such as weddings.
Sanchez noted 15% occupancy translates to only 60 guests at some larger indoor facilities.
“This will lead to another three months of cancellations and lost work for our team members if these occupancy limits don’t increase by the end of March,” Sanchez said.
Hilton Harrisburg general manger Joe Massaro said a long-term outlook would be helpful to an industry that works in advance. The Hilton hosts weddings, non-profit events and conventions.
While the new numbers might help some planning events, he said for the most part groups are shying away from scheduling.
“Folks are very hesitant to book a 150- to 200-person wedding or convention in the fall because there is no indication of when the next move will be or if they will be allowed to have it,” Massaro said.
Operators of live music venues such as Hersheypark Stadium and the Giant Center in Derry Township also are exercising caution. Some events such as The Original Harlem Globetrotters have been postponed, while For King & Country is still scheduled to perform May 21 at the Giant Center.
“Our operations team is currently evaluating the impact of today’s announcement on our future outdoor and indoor events,” said Quinn Bryner, spokeswoman for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. “Capacity will be carefully monitored in adherence to all state guidelines.”
She emphasized that prior to any venue’s reopening, information about safety enhancements will be publicized. In addition, Bryner said Hersheypark does not fall under the recent revisions, and capacity limits and safety measures will remain unchanged.
Even small venues like The Abbey Bar, part of Appalachian Brewing Co. in Harrisburg, aren’t swayed by Wolf’s announcement to reopen, said Artie Tafoya, chief operations officer.
“15% does nothing for us. A 26-person concert including the band wouldn’t be much fun,” Tafoya said.