PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 311 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 30,665. Today’s case count represents totals for three days, since new cases were last reported on Friday, July 31.
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 1,692. Of the 1,692 total deaths, 859 (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.
Limited services now available at the Free Library: Though library buildings remain closed to the public, several services across the library system are expanding. Some Free Library locations are now offering limited services, including returns, material pickups, and phone reference. Visit our new Limited Services page to see what’s available at neighborhood libraries. This page is updated daily, so check back regularly.
Trash and Recycling Update: Starting today, Monday, August 3, the Streets Department has resumed a normal trash collection schedule. Residents can place trash curbside on their regular collection day, but there may be delays as the Department continues to balance increased tonnage and staff shortages.
Recycling continues to be delayed significantly as the Department focused the majority of its resources to return trash to a normal collection schedule. Crews are collecting the recycling that remains on the ground this week. Because of high winds and heavy downpours expected later this week from Hurricane Isaias, the Department is suspending recycling collections from Wednesday, August 5 to Friday, August 7. Residents can place trash out on their normal trash collection day, however, residents should hold their recycling on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until the following week.
OHS Grant Announcement: The City’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS) announced the award of nearly $4.2 million dollars in State CARES Emergency Solutions Grant or “ESG” funds for homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, human services and legal assistance. The grants expand homeless services for youth, the Latinx and LBGTQ communities. Among the grants are:
- $400,000 to a new partnership between SELF Inc., one of the city’s largest homeless services providers, and the William Way LGBTQ Community Center, to provide greater access to homeless assistance to the LGBTQIA community.
- $1.5 million to organizations serving the Latinx/Hispanic community, including a new partnership with Nueva Esperanza Inc.
- $800,000 to Valley Youth House which has been a leader in helping young adults experiencing homelessness, and Turning Points for Children, which provides immediate, direct and sustained supportive services for supporting youth aging out of foster care.
More details are available here.
PPE Procurement Opportunity: Since the start of the pandemic, the City of Philadelphia has worked aggressively to obtain stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to meet its needs and those of its local partners. In order to maintain a more adequate and reliable supply going forward, the City is offering an opportunity for vendors who supply PPE to compete on an Invitation For Bid (IFB). The IFB has been posted on the City’s contracts hub. Vendors will need to be registered on PHLContracts to respond to this opportunity. Interested businesses can find more information on how to become a vendor with the City of Philadelphia and begin the registration process online now.
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 reopening using the Department of Public Health’s guidelines 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.