PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 242 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 1315. Of those, 87 are or have been hospitalized.

Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley confirmed five additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 14.

Also today, Mayor Kenney addressed last night’s shooting in North Philadelphia of five people, including two children, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This incident is horrible by itself, but the fact that it comes as the impact of this virus is felt in every neighborhood of Philadelphia is even more gut-wrenching,” said the Mayor. “We need everyone to come together to stop gun violence at any time, but never more so than right now. Let’s do our part for the health professionals battling COVID-19 every day, by putting the guns down so these brave women and men have every hospital bed, ventilator, and resource they need to keep fighting the virus.”

The Mayor noted that Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw has directed her officers to continue their enforcement of the City’s “Stay at Home” Order. “This enforcement will consist of warnings — and the officers have discretion to issue citations,” he said.

“Others can help as well. We are calling on the District Attorney to vigorously enforce all firearm-related charges during this time of crisis. It is imperative that we send a clear message: gun violence will not be taken lightly.  That is a message the DA can reinforce in his Office’s handling of all such cases going forward,” the Mayor said.

Just as residents can slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home and social distancing, there are practical actions they can take to prevent gun violence.

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