PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 427 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 6,813. While the daily count has remained low over the past few days, some labs do not report results over the weekend, and the City has not yet received all backlogged results.
711 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,289 people hospitalized in the region.
The Department of Public Health again noted clusters of positive cases in congregate settings, including nursing homes, behavioral health facilities, and the Department of Prisons. Three additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 66.
The Department of Public Health confirmed 14 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 190. Of the 190 total deaths, 125 (66%) were of people over age 70, and 93 (49%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports (including Philadelphia).
Mayor Kenney sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to make the case for Philadelphia. As Congress considers a fourth COVID-19 response package, Mayor Kenney asked that the federal government provide direct and flexible funding and resources to local governments to help Philadelphia manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read the letter to get more details about Mayor Kenney’s requests for support.
“Cities and states cannot effectively address and recover from this pandemic without a robust federal partnership and response,” said Mayor Kenney in the letter. “While I am appreciative of all that has been done so far, much more is needed to ensure that Philadelphians can safely survive the crisis and thrive beyond it.”
The City’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC), coordinated by the Office of Emergency Management, will expand its operations to 24/7 starting tonight. The EOC is increasing capacity starting tonight for two main reasons. The first is to manage operations of the City’s response-related sites. The second is to manage operations of the Liacouras Center as it moves closer to being operational and taking on patients, if necessary.
Meal Distributions Postponed: The City-supported food sites and the School District’s 49 student meal distribution sites were closed today, Monday, April 13, due to expected thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain. Meals and food boxes will be available instead tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14.
The regular Monday and Thursday distribution schedules will resume on Thursday, April 16. Locations of the City’s food sites and the School District’s student meal distribution sites can be found here.
Deadline for the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund: The deadline for microenterprises to submit applications for funding from the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund is before midnight on Wednesday, April 15. The Relief Fund, which launched on March 23 and has $12.1 million to disburse to local businesses, has received over 6,000 applications seeking more than $82 million in aid. Information regarding other local and national resources for businesses can be found here.
Testing Sites: The City-run location in Center City continues to serve those who are over the age of 50 and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as health care workers who are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus. The site is available by appointment only and a referral is required. Those who meet the criteria and want a test can call (267) 491-5870 to obtain a referral.
There are also more than 20 private testing sites across the city run by hospital systems and other organizations. Remaining testing kits from the Citizens Bank Park testing site, now closed, are being redistributed to other sites to expand their capacity, and any personal protective equipment (PPE) will be used to support hospitals and long-term care facilities.
COVID-19 Resources:
- City’s COVID-19 homepage: phila.gov/covid-19.
- COVID-19 resources translated in multiple languages.
- Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline: 1 (800) 722-7112.
- Residents can text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to get updates sent to their phones.
- Find out more about testing for COVID-19.
- Updates and guidance for Philadelphia employees and employers.
- Information and resources for workers.
- The PHL COVID-19 Fund continues to solicit donations to aid nonprofits that are on the frontline of the pandemic.
- For Businesses:
- Financial support and additional resources for businesses can be found here.
- Business owners or managers who have questions about the restrictions in the City’s latest Business Activity and Stay at Home Order can email [email protected].
- L&I guidance on construction work following City Business Activity and Stay at Home Order.
- The City is extending filing and payment dates for Real Estate and some business taxes.
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