A number of agencies announced stringent and hopefully temporary public health guideline changes last week as infection numbers skyrocketed and Governor Tom Wolf himself tested positive.

Statewide, indoor dining at bars and restaurants is now prohibited, as are in-person gatherings of more than 10 people. Outdoor gatherings, dining and takeout are permitted. Indoor worship services are an exception, but institutions are strongly encouraged to find alternative methods for worship.

In Bethlehem, city hall is now restricted and the ice rink is closed.

Bethlehem Area School District is now operating entirely on remote learning until after the holidays, with a presumed return to partial schedules Jan. 11.

Wolf said in a statement, “We know that COVID-19 thrives in places where people gather together therefore, these mitigation measures target high-risk environments and activities and aim to reduce the spread of this devastating virus.”

According to Yale University research, mitigation measures such as mandatory mask requirements, and gym and restaurant closures are policies that most consistently predict lower four- to six-week-ahead fatality growth.

“The work we do now to slow the spread of COVID-19 is not only crucial to keeping our fellow Pennsylvanians safe and healthy,” Wolf said. “It will help all of us get back to normal, and back to all of the things we’ve missed, faster. And it means more Pennsylvanians will be alive to celebrate that brighter future. This year, we show our love for our families and friends by celebrating safely and protecting one another.”

The complete release and details can be found at www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom

As of Monday, the state has 458,149 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12,620 deaths. Lehigh County has 15,583 confirmed and 424 deaths; Northampton County has 12,672 confirmed and 360 deaths; the city of Bethlehem has 3295 confirmed and 85 deaths.