People not wearing masks, out-of-state travel and a lack of national coordination for COVID-19 mitigation efforts have set back Pennsylvania’s recovery from the virus pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf said Wednesday while imposing more restrictions on restaurants, bars and other gatherings.

In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, the governor announced a series of orders that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. today.

He spoke of an “unsettling climb” in new COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania.

“When we hit our peak on April 9, we had nearly 2,000 new cases that day,” he said. “Medical experts are predicting a new surge is in the offing.”

That surge could surpass the April peak unless action is taken, he explained.

Wolf said the reason Pennsylvania was able to “flatten the curve” in the spring was that everyone was working together. And because of the “blunt instrument approach” to mitigation efforts that he and health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine implemented, the governor said.

“We need to act again, in a more focused manner,” Wolf explained.

“Some Pennsylvanians have been ignoring the mask wearing requirements when they are visiting bars and restaurants,” he said. “This carelessness is resulting in super-spreading” of the coronavirus.

Take-out and delivery service for businesses in the retail food service industry may continue, but further restrictions were imposed on dine-in service. According to Wolf’s order, occupancy of restaurants, wineries, breweries, private clubs and bars are limited to 25% of the stated fire code maximum occupancy, including staff. Alcohol may only be consumed on the premises if the transaction is part of a meal, and at a table or booth; bar service is prohibited.

Masks are required, as is social distancing and other mitigation efforts as spelled out in the health department’s order regarding businesses.

All nightclubs are ordered closed. Indoor events and gatherings are limited to 25 or fewer people. Outdoor events and gatherings are limited to no more than 250 people.

All businesses are required to conduct their operations by telework if possible.

Gym and fitness facilities are allowed to remain open, but are to prioritize outdoor activities.

The executive order mentions enforcement, too.

“Businesses and individuals in violation of these orders, issued pursuant to the authority granted to the Governor and the Secretary of Health under the law, including the Pennsylvania Disease Control and Prevention Law, could be subject to fines, business closure or other applicable enforcement measures.”

Wolf spoke about other states failing to take steps to mitigate the spread of the virus.

“The virus does not respect state boundaries,” the governor said. “We did everything we should have done. We were responsible.

“Other states have become petri dishes for COVID-19 while we were being responsible here in Pennsylvania,” Wolf said.

The virus has spread from states like Florida and Arizona, northward and eastward. “It has reached our commonwealth once again,” Wolf said.

The governor explained that officials know more about the virus now than they did in the spring, which enables more of a targeted approach to mitigation.

“We know the virus is primarily airborne,” he said. “We know the virus spreads rapidly in crowds.

“The virus is making the rules here. We’re trying to do what we can to reduce the risk.”

Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians to wear masks, wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often, and to remember to respect social distancing.

“We have seen these efforts work,” the governor said. “And they will work again if we all do our part. This may feel like a step backwards, but it isn’t.

“It’s a reminder that we need to get back to social distancing and mitigation efforts.”

As of Wednesday, COVID-19 case counts in two local counties had increased. According to the health department’s data, Potter and Cameron counties each saw one additional case.

Potter County has had 19 positive cases, and 462 negative tests. Cameron County has had five cases and 297 negative tests

Elk County stayed stable at 31 cases with 1,421 negative tests, and McKean County stayed at 20 cases, with 2,438 negative tests.