PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 500 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 29,803. Today’s case count represents totals for three days, since new cases were last reported on Friday, July 24. The Department of Public Health noted that the large number of new cases is at least partially due to expanded testing, with many results coming in over the past three days; the test positivity rate remains steady at approximately five percent.

The Department of Public Health confirmed two additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,678. Of the 1,678 total deaths, 856 (51%) were long-term care facility residents. 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.

Coronavirus Interim Racial Equity Plan: The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has released an interim plan to address the racial inequities posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The plan was developed by a diverse group of stakeholders representing the City, health care institutions, academic centers, and nonprofits. It is divided into eight areas of concern: Access to COVID-19 Testing, Surveillance Data, Community Outreach, Chronic Health Conditions, Protecting Essential Workers, Community Spread, Spread in Congregate Settings, and Case Investigation and Contact Tracing. Each section acknowledges existing disparities in the community, highlights what the City and Health Department are currently doing to address those disparities, and plans for further addressing them.

Trash and Recycling Collection Updates: The Streets Department has suspended recycling collections for Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28 to allow crews to prioritize trash collection and return to a normal trash collection schedule as quickly as possible. Residents should place trash out on their normal trash collection day this week.

OPA Offices Now Open: The Office of Property Assessment has re-opened to the public for in-person service. However, residents are asked to call 215-686-4334 before coming to the office to see if their issue can be resolved over the phone. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All visitors will be required to wear a mask in order to enter both the building and the office lobby area. Abatement applications that would have had a filing deadline of March 17 through September 3 will be considered timely if filed by the close of business on September 4.

Park Safety and Responsible Usage: Philadelphia’s watershed parks have experienced a sharp increase in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation reminds visitors to park in designated lots only, follow all park rules, wear a mask, and practice safe social distancing. Swimming and bathing are prohibited in Philadelphia’s rivers, streams, and waterways, and is extremely dangerous for even the most experienced swimmers. Bathrooms remain closed in Parks & Recreation sites, and visitors should carry out any trash they carry in. Additional guidance is available in a press release from Parks & Recreation that was distributed last week.

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.

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