As new COVID-19 cases grew in certain parts of Pennsylvania, the Wolf administration announced new guidelines for the operation of bars and restaurants, and for gatherings.

The guidelines were stated in new orders signed by Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine in the Pennsylvania Disease Control and Prevention Law.

The orders were motivated by recent spikes in Allegheny County and southwest Pennsylvania, a Wolf administration statement said.

"During the past week, we have seen an unsettling climb in new COVID-19 cases," Wolf said.

"When we hit our peak on April 9, we had nearly 2,000 new cases that day with other days' cases hovering around 1,000. Medical experts looking at the trajectory we are on now are projecting that this new surge could soon eclipse the April peak. With our rapid case increases we need to act again now."

The orders cap occupancy of restaurant dining-in areas at 25% of normal capacity, including staff. Take-out service and outdoor dining are also allowed. Nightclubs are closed under the order. Indoor gatherings are limited to 25 persons and outdoor gatherings to 250 persons.

Finally, while gyms are allowed to operate, they must require masking and incorporate social distancing, and can't have more than 25 persons inside their facilities. Republicans had harsh words for the new mitigation measures.

"Once again, Gov. Wolf has ignored the voices of the people and refused to work with their representatives, instead choosing to act alone and issue another harmful, unilateral order with far-reaching and devastating implications," said House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre. "The irreversible impact of his countless, confusing orders cannot be overstated." According to the statement, businesses and persons in violation of the standards could be subject to fines, business closure or other applicable enforcement measures.