The Delaware County Health Department says it won’t permit entertainment acts like bands or karaoke for public New Year’s Eve celebrations.  Officials say it’s to comply with state rules in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The county, like 68 others, is colored orange on the state’s COVID-19 spread map – the second-highest category.  That comes with restrictions on restaurants and bars, according to the state.  A maximum of 50 people can be inside – which includes staff.  All customers have to remain seated when they’re eating or drinking and must wear masks when they’re not doing so.  Each group needs to be spaced six feet apart.

The move is in line with a decision in November to not approve gatherings larger than 50 people in Delaware County.  The state allows counties to grant exceptions, but the health department and local governing bodies say they won’t.

The health department says those bars or restaurants that break the rules on New Year’s Eve entertainment could have their liquor licenses suspended or revoked.