The Department of Health is issuing more coronavirus-related violations to restaurants and bars in Erie County.

During recent inspections by public health sanitarians, violations of executive orders related to COVID-19 were found at five establishments. 

Violations included not practicing social distancing and face mask use by employees.

The establishments found to not be following state orders were Hoaks Restaurant in Hamburg, Bimber's Delwood in Kenmore, Pasquale's in West Seneca, South Shore Beach Club in Evans, and Just Pizza in Buffalo.

The violations come just days after closure orders were issued to The Cowboy in Buffalo and The Stage in Amherst.

The county is receiving about 25 complaints each day and investigates every one of them. Violation orders are reported to the state Liquor Authority and are subject to penalties including fines.

"We have to take action. Public health is about making system changes to help people do the right thing to help people make a smart choice. Unfortunately, this is a system change that had to be made and we're just hoping that bars and restaurants comply to keep their employees healthy and safe and to keep their customers healthy and safe,” said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County's commissioner of health.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz also addressed the recent increase in positive cases and admittance to hospitals. He said that an increase in infection rates by 5 percent or more would force schools to remain closed this upcoming year.