Releases reopening guidance for activities permitted to open Friday, June 26
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 219 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 25,335.
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 37 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,563. The larger number is due to database matching with the state. Additional cases and deaths have now been identified as Philadelphia residents. Of the 1,563 deaths, 802 (51%) were long-term care facility residents.
Reopening Guidance for New Yellow Phase Activities: While the Governor authorized Philadelphia County to move to “Green” effective June 26, based on local targets for progress, City officials will not allow Green Phase activities to begin until at least July 3. A limited number of activities will be able to resume on June 26, while the city is still in the Yellow Phase, including:
- Residential swimming pools and private swim clubs
- Zoos (outside only)
- Personal services such as salons, barbers, and spas
- Small indoor social and religious gatherings (up to 25 people)
Guidance for these activities has been posted on the City’s website. Reopening guidance for the industries that will resume operations during Philadelphia’s “Reopening with Care” or Green Phase will be available later this week.
Fireworks Warning Issued: City officials today issued a reminder about the dangers of setting off fireworks in neighborhoods. The City has received many complaints about fireworks going off at all hours–disrupting sleep, causing anxiety in people and pets, and generally interfering with residents’ quality-of-life.
“While we’re not certain why this is happening, we are certain that fireworks are incredibly dangerous,” said Managing Director Brian Abernathy. “Fireworks can cause catastrophic fires and devastating injuries, such as the 9-year-old Philadelphia girl who suffered life-altering injuries and a 12-year-old boy who lost a finger after playing with explosives. We understand the absence of in-person festivals may cause some to crave the excitement of an enormous fireworks display over the river. But the simple fact is that these are extremely dangerous products and the risks far outweigh the momentary excitement of the explosions.”
The Philadelphia Code historically banned the use and sale of fireworks within the City, but state legislation from 2017 forced Philadelphia to legalize consumer fireworks. Nevertheless, Philadelphia can and does substantially restrict fireworks in certain ways:
- The Philadelphia Fire Code bans the use of consumer fireworks within 150 feet of occupied properties.
- The Fire Code also prohibits people from setting off fireworks on public or private land without permission of the owner.
- High-explosive fireworks known as Class M, such as M-80s, are illegal in the city and, again, are incredibly dangerous.
- It’s also against the law to sell fireworks on the street without a license. Residents should call 9-1-1 if they see someone selling fireworks illegally on the street or in a tent.
Residents who observe high-explosive fireworks or fireworks close to occupied properties, wish to report a late-night noise violation, or witness sales of fireworks, can dial 9-1-1 or call their local police district. Residents should keep in mind that enforcement is difficult, particularly since the folks setting off the fireworks have usually left the area by the time officers arrive.
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.
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:
- Recordings of COVID-19 briefings (Subtitles available in multiple languages).
- COVID-19 press releases.