PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 250 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 37,812. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 28 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. The total case count reported in daily press releases currently differs slightly from the numbers that appear on the City’s COVID-19 website and OpenDataPhilly due to the way probable cases are reported; the Department of Public Health is working to reconcile those discrepancies.

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 1,817. Of the 1,817 total deaths, 896 (49%) were long-term care facility residents.

Changes to Gathering Limits in Pennsylvania: Today, Governor Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced that statewide gathering limits—for both indoor and outdoor events—would increase this Friday, October 9. The city of Philadelphia will not move to these increased limits on Friday. As with other changes to restrictions at the state level, Philadelphia will require additional time to evaluate what can be done safely in the city. The number, size and diverse uses of event venues in Philadelphia present unique challenges when considering increases to gathering limits. The Department of Public Health will review the latest changes from the state and provide an update on Philadelphia’s plans during next week’s COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, October 13. 

Halloween Guidance: The Department of Public Health today issued guidance full of suggestions for a safer Halloween, including recommendations on how to trick-or-treat safely. The most important guidance is that people who are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should stay home. Everyone else should be masked—with proper face masks, not just spooky Halloween masks—the entire time. If wearing a costume mask, a proper face mask should also be utilized. Parents and caregivers should remind children to give at least six feet of space while trick-or-treating. The guidance also encourages Philadelphians to consider alternate ways of celebrating Halloween. For more information, view the new blog post: How to have a spooky Halloween and stay safe from COVID-19.

PHL Rent Assist Deadline Extended: The City announced today the deadline for phase two of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program has been extended to November 4, 2020. Residents who applied for phase one can still apply for phase two. To apply, visit phlrentassist.org. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Mayor Kenney today reminded Philadelphia residents that the pandemic has brought heightened risks for survivors. “Survivors are at high risk of being isolated in their homes and unable to access their supportive community,” said Mayor Kenney. “Through the work of our Office of Domestic Violence Strategies, we are being creative about reaching survivors as the pandemic threat continues. We continue to advance practices within the health and human services to improve the City’s response to survivors when they come to us for assistance. We also want all Philadelphia residents to be a part of the larger community that is dedicated to helping those affected by domestic violence.”

Anyone who needs help should contact the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline: 866-723-3014.

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:

Resources for Media:

###