Lawsuit seeks to overturn Philadelphia’s renewed indoor mask mandate

The Philadelphia Division of Public Well being Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole cited an increase in COVID circumstances as the rationale why the town is reinstating the masks necessities for indoor public areas.

Confirmed COVID-19 circumstances have risen greater than 50% in 10 days. This has prompted the town to maneuver to Stage 2: Masks Precautions, requiring masks in indoor public locations.

Petitioners say the town eradicated the CDC because the supply of requirements for masking in Philadelphia and imposed what they name a renegade normal.

The restaurant trade pushed again in opposition to the mandate, saying employees will bear the brunt of buyer anger over the brand new guidelines.

Philadelphians share combined reactions after metropolis reinstates indoor masks mandate
“The residents bringing this motion as we speak have had sufficient of Philadelphia performing in a approach opposite to the remainder of the world. Philadelphia is required, like everybody else, to adjust to the legal guidelines of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Nobody is above the legislation,” mentioned Thomas W. King, III, Esq., Legal professional for the petitioners.

The Philadelphia’s mayor’s workplace communications director didn’t touch upon this specific lawsuit, however issued a press release that reads:

“The town was profitable in litigation associated to the masks mandate simply this previous Thursday.

On Thursday, upon problem to the order mandating the return of masks in sure indoor areas, the courts as soon as once more confirmed that metropolis has each the authorized authority and requisite flexibility to enact the precautionary measures needed to regulate the unfold of COVID-19.”