Seldom is a subject such an obvious choice for story of the year.
But unlike 2001’s 9/11 or 2016’s election, the coronavirus story kept happening day after day after day. Like the virus itself, the story just wouldn’t stop.
It appears it will consume 2021 as well.
From reports of a “new illness” in China in January to the approval and distribution of vaccines in December, the tale of covid-19 is complex. It’s been an incredible, agonizing, frustrating, infuriating, daunting and deadly journey.
Coronavirus’ story actually began in December 2019, when 41 cases were first identified in Wuhan, China. Many researchers believe the virus originated in bats, although further studies are being conducted.
AP
In this Dec. 17, 2020 photo, prepared covid-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine syringes are seen at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Ill.
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Here are some of the top Tribune-Review news and feature stories from around the region for the week of Dec. 20-26, 2020.
For more details on these and other stories, follow the links below or see Triblive.com.
McKeesport Police Officer Geriasimo Athans, already shot once in the neck, took cover behind his vehicle’s engine block Sunday afternoon and emptied his weapon at the fleeing gunman, who got away, according to a criminal complaint.
UpdatedWed, Dec 23, 2020 at 12:33 pm ET
Replies(8)
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PITTSBURGH, PA The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered four restaurants to close violating the state s latest coronavirus mitigation orders. Gov. Tom Wolf announced earlier this month that restaurants across the state would be subject to three weeks of occupancy restrictions in attempt to curb an alarming rise in coronavirus cases and deaths in Pennsylvania.
The edict prohibits indoor dining until Jan. 4. Takeout and outdoor dining are still available, with many restaurants offering those options.
Al s Cafe on McMurray Road in Bethel Park was ordered shut down for providing indoor dining, bar service and for removing previously placed closure placards. Over the summer, Al s owner Rod Ambrogi launched the Southwestern Pennsylvania Restaurant and Tavern Association to fight the state s coronavirus restrictions.
Teghan Simonton And Joyce Hanz
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 11:59 a.m.
| Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 11:59 a.m.
Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review
Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review
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Four Allegheny County restaurants were ordered to close Tuesday for violating Gov. Tom Wolf’s latest covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
As of Wednesday morning, none of them had shut their doors.
David’s Diner in Springdale Township, Al’s Café in Bethel Park, Gianna Via’s in Whitehall and Il Pizzaiolo in Mt. Lebanon were each cited by the Allegheny County Health Department for offering indoor dining and ordered to shut down completely for seven days.
“Just open.”
The words, spoken by Joe Tambellini, resonated with dozens of restaurant and tavern owners who gathered in a parking lot outside of Al’s Cafe, a restaurant in Bethel Park, on Monday. They were there for a “Rights for Restaurants” rally organized by the restaurant’s owner, Rod Ambrogi, and politicians.
Tambellini, vice president of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Restaurant and Tavern Association, encouraged his peers to reopen their restaurants and bars.
“We’re allowed to be open just open,” he said, as the crowd cheered. “Forget about the governor, forget about all these people. You got to talk to the other restaurants and bar owners tell them to open.”