PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 116 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 24,591.

The Department of Public Health noted continued progress in congregate settings, including nursing homes and the Department of Prisons. Current and cumulative totals of both symptomatic and asymptomatic 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 21 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. Today’s number is higher due to periodic matching with state databases, which helps identify additional deaths that were previously not reported as COVID-related. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,495. Of the 1,495 total deaths, 768 (51%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 276 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 481 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

Elder Abuse Awareness Month: Mayor Kenney today highlighted that June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, noting that awareness of elder abuse is particularly important in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “In this time of isolation and social distancing, our elderly residents are even more susceptible to becoming the victims of bad people,” said the Mayor. “Elder abuse is a legal crisis, a public health crisis, and a human rights crisis, both here in Philadelphia and around the world. Millions of older Americans face devastating violence and physical, emotional and financial abuse. Older Adult Protective Services in Philadelphia investigated over 4,300 reports of suspected abuse, neglect and financial exploitation last year. Please join me—today and every day—in voicing your opposition to the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older Philadelphians.”

The Mayor noted that several organizations provide resources and support for those who may face elder abuse:

Wawa Welcome America: Welcome America, Inc. and the City of Philadelphia today announced 50+ free events that will create the reimagined 2020 Wawa Welcome America seven-day virtual festival taking place Sunday, June 28 through Saturday, July 4. The 2020 festival will be entirely free and virtual, encompassing multicultural and multigenerational programming, highlighting Philadelphia’s diverse voices. With a lineup of concerts, online educational activities, behind-the-scenes experiences, cooking demonstrations, at-home crafts, virtual museum tours and more, the festival’s family-friendly programming will focus on arts, culture, education, wellness, history and performance.

Viewers will have a front-row seat from the comfort of home as Wawa Welcome America hosts star-studded performances and exclusive virtual experiences. The festival schedule and events can be found at WelcomeAmerica.com and on Facebook @WawaWelcomeAmerica, Instagram @July4thPhilly, and Twitter @July4thPhilly. Guests are encouraged to use the official 2020 festival hashtags to follow along: #July4thPhilly and #CelebratePhilly.

Community-Based COVID-19 Testing Request for Proposals: The Philadelphia Department of Public Health continues to accept proposals for organizations looking to become or continue to work as a COVID-19 Community Testing Program. The Community Testing Program RFP looks to establish test sites for underserved populations across Philadelphia. The latest RFP is available on the City’s  COVID-19 website here.

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.

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.

Resources for Media:

 

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