93-3-3-WMR Audio on Demand presents the Preston and Steve Show podcast.

And now, Preston and Steve's news update with Kathy Romano.

Today is Monday, April 18th. Good morning, Kathy.

Good morning in the news this morning. Philadelphia will start enforcing the indoor mask mandate today.

On Sunday, most people walked incing the indoor mask mandate today. On Sunday,

most people walked in without a mask at several restaurants. However, starting today, patrons will need

to mask up as the city moves to level two, mask precautions under its COVID-19 response guidelines.

Businesses and institutions can go mask-free if they require everyone on-site to be fully vaccinated and check

vaccine status upon entry, according to city officials. The city says the mandate is returning

because COVID cases have increased 50% over the last two weeks. After making the announcement

last Monday, the city gave businesses a week to prepare and put signage back up. The policy

applies to all indoor

public spaces, such as schools, restaurants, businesses, museums, offices, and government

buildings. Those heading to the 76ers, game two playoff matchup against the Raptors will also

need to wear a mask inside the Wells Fargo Center. The mandate is being met with some backlash.

One group of petitioners filed a lawsuit in the

Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania to overturn the mandate. The city would not comment on it specifically,

but said it has the legal authority to enact precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The city says two of three data points need to be met for the mask mandate to end. New cases

must be below 100 per day.

Cases have increased by less than 50% in the previous 10 days and hospitalizations are below 50.

As of April 11th, Philadelphia was averaging 142 new cases of COVID-19 each day.

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