iradiophilly | News - Pennsylvania Increases Gathering Capacities; Suspects in Pizza Attack; U.Perk Use of Force Justified

Streaming Radio for Philadelphia
More Music. Fewer Interruptions. Just what you want to hear.

FOLLOW:

News
Talk about what's in the news


The Post

Pennsylvania Increases Gathering Capacities; Suspects in Pizza Attack; U.Perk Use of Force Justified

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 03/01/21 4:34 pm | updated: 03/01/21 9:51 pm

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced several changes to coronavirus COVID-19 restrictions across the state effective Monday, March 1. He increased capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor venues and also did away with out-of-state travel restrictions. Travelers to Pennsylvania no longer have to either provide a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine for 14-days upon arrival. This restriction applied to both visitors and natives returning home. Also, capacity limits have been changed. Indoor gatherings are now 15% maximum capacity and outdoor is 20% capacity, no matter the venue size. Social distancing, proper hygiene, and mask wearing is still in place.

"Pennsylvania is taking a measured approach to revising or lifting mitigation orders," Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday. "The reason we are seeing cases drop can be attributed, in part, to people following the mitigation efforts we have in place. Mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene are making a difference and need to continue even as we see more and more people fully vaccinated. We need to balance protecting public health with leading the state to a robust economic recovery. We are lifting mitigation efforts only when we believe it is safe to do so."

Last week, Philadelphia announced that it was increasing capacity to match the state's standard at the time. City officials said that if the state increases their standard (such as now) the city would have to assess the new capacity limit and determine if Philadelphia would follow. The Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers would like to host fans in their stadiums, but the current city capacity limits (although increased) is not high enough. However, the new state capacity limit would allow the teams to staff the event in addition to having capacity for fans. Philadelphia officials will make the decision on whether to follow the new PA guidelines. The Pittsburgh Penguins will now have fans at their home games. Most larger music venues will continue to stay closed until the capacity limits increase significantly and events can be held safely.

Philadelphia Health Department spokesperson James Garrow released this statement Monday afternoon: "The City is currently exploring what changes need to be made to the published guidance and Safer-at-Home Order to facilitate coming into alignment with the new protocols announced by Governor Wolf this morning. This is consistent with Dr. Farley's updates last week to bring Philadelphia into alignment with the state."

Police in Norristown, Montgomery County are looking for 3 young men for attacking and robbing a pizza shop owner last month. 19-year-olds Justin Cassidy, his brother Kevin Cassidy, and Justin Croson are charged with robbery and assault. Croson is also charged with aggravated assault. It happened on February 19 at Mama Venezia's Pizzeria on the 600 block of East Marshall Street. 56-year-old Ying Ngov saw them stole a 12-pack and six-pack of beer. She went outside to confront them. "I say, 'You don't pay for beer yet' and they walked out," recalled Ngov. "They don't want to pay. They keep running. So I run too." Surveillance video outside shows the men surrounded her and knock her to the ground. The continue to attack her while she was on the ground. If you have any information, call Detective CJ Leeds at 610-270-1476 or email NPDTips@norristown.org.

Prosecutors in Montgomery County have determined at an Upper Perk Police Officer was justified in his use of force while shooting a suspect who was armed with a sword. It happened around 7:30 p.m. on East 8th Street near Long Alley in Pennsburg. Police responded to a call from a family member about a man with a sword who was threatening family members. Police found the man with a "a samurai-type sword" who did not obey commands to drop the weapon. He then charged at officers with the sword. That is when the officer fired at the man. The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Trey Bartholemew of Pennsburg. Police recovered a 23-inch sword next to his body. District Attorney Kevin Steele said Monday the shooting was a lawful use of force.

SEE ALSO: Man w/ Sword Killed by Police in Pennsburg

TOP STORIES

(1) response

-------------------------------------------------------

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA | responded: 03/01 9:51 pm

19-year-olds Kevin Cassidy, Justin Croson, and Justin Cassidy

Welcome to iradiophilly! Philadelphia's Internet Radio Community

Welcome! Start listening now for FREE! The music is always on, so choose a radio station and click to listen. You can find fun Events around Philly and you can list yours on our Events page FREE. We will also promote cool Philly shows, events and fundraisers on the air FREE. There are also great opportunities to become a sponsor or advertise. iRadioPhilly supports the Philadelphia music and arts scene. If you are a local musician or performer, send us your stuff. We will play it on our BYO radio station, Philadelphia's Local Stage. We're designing the radio stations and iradiophilly to reflect Philadelphia's music tastes, so we'll want your input. We're glad you're here. Invite your friends.

FOLLOW:

Site Design by Bananaland | Built by quadpain media