PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 181 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 3,189. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley cautions that some testing laboratories are not sending reports over the weekend, so this total is likely to be an underreporting.
The Health Department confirmed eight additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 43.
The Department of Public Health reports 474 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 831 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).
Recycling Schedule: Because of staffing concerns, the Streets Department is revising its collection schedule. Recycling materials will be collected on an every-other-week schedule starting next week. Starting tomorrow, residents should hold their recycling materials for the week (Monday, April 6 through Saturday, April 11). Recycling collections will resume on Monday, April 13 with every-other-week collections through at least May 15. Regular trash collections will continue on or as close to their normal schedule as possible. Residents should expect some delays as the health crisis continues to have an impact on employee attendance.
Today at 3 p.m. brings another Prayer Pauses for Philadelphia livestream. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement, the event is streamed on Facebook Live each week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 3 p.m. To join, like the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement on Facebook to receive a notification about the live stream. A leader from one of our many faith communities will join Reverend Naomi Washington-Leapheart and guide participants through a short prayer for health, peace, and wisdom during this destabilizing season.
1300 Block of Walnut Street Closure: Starting Monday, April 6 at 5 a.m., the 1300 block of Walnut Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between 13th and Juniper streets until further notice as part of the citywide response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parking will also be restricted on the 1300 block of Walnut Street. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the south side of Walnut will remain open. SEPTA has rerouted five bus routes that operate on Walnut. Riders can check www.septa.org for details.
Testing Sites: The Department of Public Health has opened a second testing site in addition to the drive-through site in the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park. The new site is open only for 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.
The Health Department has expanded the definition of health care workers who are eligible to be tested for COVID-19 coronavirus at City-run testing sites. “Health care worker” now refers to the following:
- Clinicians
- EMS providers
- Nursing home workers
- Home care workers
- Non-clinical staff who have direct patient contact
- Behavioral health workers
- Persons who work in congregate settings, including homeless shelters and prisons
Philly 311 will be open for extended hours today, April 5, to handle all non-emergency requests from residents. Residents can contact 3-1-1 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
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.
- Citizens Bank Community-Based Testing Site is operational daily pending inclement weather. 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:
- 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.
- Additional resources for businesses can be found here.
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