By Brooks Welch

Philadelphia is reimposing their indoor mask mandates as COVID cases begin to rise.

The Philadelphia Department of Health said coronavirus cases increased by more than 50% in a ten-day span in the city where there’s now an average of 142 new cases per day.

Taking effect on April 18, Philadelphia will again require masks indoors at all restaurants, shops, offices, and other indoor public spaces next week, the city health department announced Monday. Businesses can opt to require proof of vaccination instead of requiring masks.

“I sincerely wish we didn’t have to do this again,” said city Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole. “I wish this pandemic was over just as much as any of you.”

She continues, “Our city remains open. By wearing masks consistently we can continue to go about our daily lives and continue to take part in the life of our city without contributing to increasing transmission of COVID-19,” Bettigole said.