PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 252 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 22,881. Today’s reports reflect cases and deaths since Saturday as many labs do not report on Sundays and the City has stopped releasing updates on Sundays as a result.

The Department of Public Health noted continued progress in congregate settings, including nursing homes and the Department of Prisons. No additional symptomatic incarcerated individuals have tested positive. Testing of asymptomatic incarcerated individuals is ongoing. Current and cumulative totals of positive cases in Philadelphia prisons are posted on the testing and data page of the City’s COVID-19 website.

The Department of Public Health confirmed three additional fatalities from the coronavirus in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,287. Of the 1,287 total deaths, 684 (53%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 423 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 815 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

“The numbers are looking better, but we must remain vigilant in our fight against COVID-19,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Farley. “We continue to watch the numbers and we encourage everyone to remember you are safer at home. If residents have to go out for essential activities, people should commit to wearing a mask, keeping at least six feet from others, and washing your hands frequently.”

City-run Testing Sites Closed: Due to the City being closed today, all City-run testing sites are closed today. There are still dozens of free COVID-19 testing sites open throughout Philadelphia. Residents should check the testing site map and call ahead: http://phila.gov/testing.

Safer at Home (Yellow Phase): The City’s Safer at Home plan and executive order outlines how Philadelphia will begin to reopen for business when the current Stay-at-Home Order is lifted, which is expected to occur on Friday, June 5, 2020. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health continues to advise residents that they are “safer at home,” and should only leave to engage in essential activities.

Lower-risk activities permitted to operate within certain parameters during the Safer-at-Home Order (Yellow Phase) include:

  • Restaurants (including food trucks and walk-up ordering, no dine-in service)
  • Retail businesses (curbside and delivery are strongly encouraged)
  • Child care centers
  • Outdoor youth day camps and recreation
  • Outdoor parks-related amenities
  • Office-based businesses (telework still required whenever feasible)
  • Consumer banking
  • Automobile sales
  • Real estate activities
  • Manufacturing
  • Warehouse operations

Continued Precautions: As they restart, businesses will be required by the Safer-at-Home Order to follow a safety checklist of operations called “Safe Mode” to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additional recommendations for different types of businesses and activities are detailed in a separate set of industry-specific guidelines available here.

Testing Site Map: A new testing site finder at phila.gov/testing helps people find a free COVID-19 test in Philadelphia. Anyone can search for a site by address, click on a map location for specific site information, and filter by day of week and by drive-thru or walk-up.

Each of the testing sites has its own requirements, and that information is included for each location on the map. For example, some sites require referrals, appointments, or certain criteria for patients. No sites require payment, insurance, or proof of citizenship. Residents are strongly encouraged to call first for an appointment or referral; all necessary phone numbers are available on the map.

The finder is available in six languages, and the map will continue to be updated as new testing sites are opened.

Expanded Testing Standards: The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is recommending COVID-19 coronavirus testing for anyone, regardless of age, who meets this criteria:

  • Known or suspected exposure within the last seven days.
  • A new cough, new shortness of breath, or two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, new loss of taste or smell.

The expansion of testing recommendations comes as a result of the increasing availability of coronavirus testing at public health and commercial laboratories. Increased testing for the coronavirus is a key part of the City’s and Pennsylvania’s plan to re-open safely.

COVID-19 Resources:

Resources for Media:

###