PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 59 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. In addition to newly reported cases, the Department of Public Health also added 376 previously unidentified cases to the City’s database—bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 36,887. The previously unidentified cases were added as a result of data matching from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Pennsylvania Department of Health and come from tests conducted in March through August.
The Department of Public Health confirmed one additional fatality in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,801. Of the 1,801 total deaths, 889 (49%) were long-term care facility residents.
Indoor Dining: Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley today announced that effective this Friday, October 2, 2020, the City will allow restaurants to offer indoor dining at up to 50 percent of capacity, double the current restriction of 25 percent. The new capacity limits are in line with current Pennsylvania restrictions. Per the Governor’s rules, restaurants choosing to expand capacity must self-certify following state and CDC guidelines in addition to City rules, including: tables spaced so diners are at least six feet apart, tables have four or fewer seats for household members only, no bar seating, no alcohol service except during meals, servers must wear masks and face shields, and improved ventilation.
Dr. Farley said, “The falling case counts we’re seeing show the success of our strategy. I said that we would scale back our restrictions slowly and carefully if case counts continued to fall, and we’re doing that now. If folks continue to follow our guidance, I believe that we will be able to relax more restrictions.”
Satellite Election Offices: City Commissioners today opened seven satellite election offices to provide Philadelphia voters with easier access to register to vote and to vote by mail. The offices will be open seven days a week and will remain open through Election Day, November 3, 2020. Hours of operation for the satellite offices are 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In addition to being able to register, voters may also request a mail-in ballot in-person, receive it, fill it out, and return it to cast their vote, all at the same location. Details, including locations, can be found here.
Food Site Update: Food sites continue to distribute free, healthy food to families throughout the city with some changes to locations.
- Thursday, September 24 was the last day of food distribution at the Jewish Relief Agency. This food site is now closed.
- Beginning Thursday, October 1, a new food site will open at Tacony Library (6742 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135).
An up-to-date list of sites and schedules is available on the City’s website. The public is encouraged to confirm locations and schedules by calling 311 or visiting phila.gov/food before going to a site. Philly311 can also provide information on local food pantries.
Residents of all ages can continue to pick up a box of food (one box per household) at food sites on Thursdays between 10 a.m. and noon every week. Residents do not have to present ID or proof of income.
There is Still Time to Complete the 2020 Census: To date, 55.7 percent of Philadelphia’s households have completed the 2020 Census. We have a very limited time in working towards a complete and accurate count for our city. We encourage Philadelphia residents—if they have not done so already—to fill out the census online at 2020census.gov, over the phone, or using the paper form.
Daily Trash and Recycling Update: Residents can check the daily trash and recycling update blog post to see the current status of trash and recycling collections.
- Trash: On schedule, residents should put out trash on their regular collection day.
- Recycling: On schedule, residents should put out recycling on their regular collection day.
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.