Pennsylvania's Capitol Complex to close for covid concerns

Pennsylvania’s Capital Complex will close to the public once again, citing rising covid-19 cases.

Starting Monday, the complex will disallow visits and events including rallies, school or group tours, performances, receptions and other public gatherings in all interior venues. The Capitol Complex includes the Main Capitol Rotunda, East Wing Rotunda, Keystone Building Atrium, Forum Auditorium and the State Museum.

All operations of Gov. Tom Wolf’s office and the General Assembly will continue, but the complex will be limited to employees and people with credentials, according to a news release.

The Capitol Complex had reopened in late June after an months of closure amid the coronavirus pandemic. Cases and hospitalizations are now skyrocketing across the state. According to the Department of Health, Dauphin County – where Harrisburg is located – has a 12% test positivity rate and an infection incidence rate of 275 cases per 100,000 residents, meaning there is substantial community transmission.

Though the government building is closing to the general population, most public spaces remain open, as few new restrictions have been announced during the surge. State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine has repeatedly emphasized the state’s current mitigation strategies, including a universal mask order, travel restrictions and gathering limitations. On Thursday, Levine warned that hospitals in some regions are nearing capacity limits.