Philadelphia mayor faces backlash after drinking at a bar ahead of implementing new Covid-19 restrictions

Philadelphia mayor faces backlash after he was spotted drinking in an establishment before introducing new lockdown measures amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat, was spotted at a local restaurant in town, and an outlet called Broad and Liberty shared a picture of the politician on Tuesday drinking a beer.

The picture, which was confirmed by Mr Kenney’s office to Fox News, reportedly occurred over the weekend.

"Mayor Kenney intentionally patronised several restaurants this weekend – as he usually does – to support local businesses and their wait staff,” Deputy Communications Director Lauren Cox told Fox News.

On Monday, the city of Philadelphia implemented new coronavirus restrictions, including closing indoor dining, limiting outdoor dining to groups of four, prohibiting public and private gatherings like funerals and weddings if they involved more than one household. Restrictions will take effect on Friday.

Philadelphia, like most places across the US, was reporting a rise in coronavirus cases, hospitalistions, and deaths. The city went from reporting about 400 new Covid-19 cases in one day on 4 November to recording more than 1,100 on 13 November. More than 1,900 residents have died from the novel virus since the pandemic started.

Mr Kenney’s office said the image facing backlash was taking at “one of his favorite eateries, which he wanted to support before the restrictions go into effect this Friday.”

“As Mayor Kenney said during Monday’s press conference, no one (including him) wants to institute more restrictions; but he and Health Commissioner Dr. Farley are making decisions based on what they believe is required to save lives.” Ms Cox said.

When publishing the image, the outlet claimed that Mr Kenney only drank beer during his time in the establishment and did not order any food, which goes against guidelines put in place by the city.

But Ms Cox said the mayor did in fact order food when he was pictured at the establishment.

“The mayor did order food, therefore the image was captured before or after the food was served. He will continue ordering takeout and dining outside while Covid restrictions are in effect, and encourages others to continue supporting our neighborhood small businesses in ways that comply with current restrictions and feel safe for them and their families,” she said, according to Fox News.

Public officials have faced intense scrutiny amid the pandemic for their personal activities after publicly telling residents to follow specific covid-related guidelines.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, apologised last week after he attended a dinner party that ignored the own Covid-19 guidelines he put in place for his state. “I should have modeled better behavior,” Mr Newsom said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also faced scrutiny for getting her hair done in a California hair salon over the summer when those businesses were not open due to the novel virus.