PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 131 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 23,822.

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. The current total of symptomatic positive cases at correctional facilities is one. Current and cumulative totals of positive cases in Philadelphia prisons are now posted on the testing and data page of the City’s COVID-19 website. 

The Department of Public Health confirmed 11 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,425. Of the 1,425 total deaths, 747 (52%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 340 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 649 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

Funding Awarded to Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium: The City announced that the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium will receive the first award of funding to increase the capacity of COVID-19 testing in communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Mayor Kenney joined Dr. Ala Stanford, Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley, and local elected officials at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church to make the announcement. Officials reiterated the importance of having easy access to testing for the Black community, which has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium was selected based on their proven ability to reach people where they are for testing via a mobile setup, test many people in a short amount of time, and have the full trust of people being tested. Other qualified organizations are invited to apply to receive funding for a COVID-19 Community Testing Program. The RFP is posted online. 

Testing Site Map: A 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.

Guidance for COVID-19 Testing for Protestors: Because of the large number of people that have participated in protest activities in Philadelphia, the Department of Public Health believes that there may be an increased likelihood that participants may have been exposed to COVID-19. Those who were at or near a protest—even if they wore a mask—should follow these recommendations to combat the spread of the virus:

  • Monitor for symptoms like new-onset fever, cough, or shortness of breath for 14 days.
  • Try to stay away from other people for 14 days; if you can’t stay at home, be sure to wear a mask properly and try to stay at least six feet from others.
  • Get tested for COVID-19 seven days after having been in a crowd; those seeking testing do NOT need to identify that they were at a protest but instead should say they were near someone who may have had COVID-19.

Safer at Home (Yellow Phase): Philadelphia entered the Yellow Phase of reopening on June 5. The City’s Safer at Home plan and executive order outline how Philadelphia will begin to reopen for business. 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; no outdoor dining until June 12)
  • 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.

COVID-19 Resources:

  • City’s COVID-19 homepage: phila.gov/covid-19.
  • COVID-19 resources translated into 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.
  • Businesses with questions about the applicability of the new Safer-at-Home Order’s guidelines to their operations should email business@phila.gov.
  • The PHL COVID-19 Fund continues to solicit donations to aid nonprofits that are on the frontline of the pandemic.

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