PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 1,666 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 101,629. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 145 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. Today’s case count represents totals for four days, since new cases were last reported on Friday, January 15.

The Department of Public Health confirmed eight additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 2,720. Of the 2,720 total deaths, 1,063 (39%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 538 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 91 on ventilators.

Mayor Kenney today noted that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic has now exceeded 100,000. “This is an unfortunate reminder that COVID is still very much with us. And I have no doubt that without ten months of hard work, Dr. Farley’s leadership, precautions and — yes — restrictions that none of us likes — we would have hit that dubious milestone far earlier. The vaccine will take months to fully roll out, so our diligence, and our devotion to helping others — must continue. Of course, we are hopeful the end will come, particularly with a new presidential administration in Washington.”

Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley today praised the appointment of Dr. Rachel Levine, the Pennsylvania Health Commissioner, to serve as Assistant Health Secretary in the Biden Administration. “On behalf of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, I want to congratulate Dr. Rachel Levine on her appointment to Assistant Secretary of Health in the incoming Biden-Harris Administration. She has been a tireless advocate for the public health in Pennsylvania and a great partner to those of us in Philadelphia. I am excited to see that her talent will help the entire nation, even though I will miss her here.”

Move to Phase 1b for Vaccinations: Dr. Farley today announced that COVID-19 vaccine distribution to Philadelphians in Phase 1b can start immediately. Dr. Farley cautioned that due to the large number of people in Phase 1b, and the limited number of doses being delivered to Philadelphia, some residents who fit the criteria for getting their vaccine may have to wait for some time before getting access. Unvaccinated healthcare workers — who were prioritized in Phase 1a — are still encouraged to set an appointment and get their vaccine as soon as possible.

Those identified who should receive a vaccine in Phase 1b include:

  • Frontline essential workers
  • Those who live and work in congregate settings
  • People over the age of 75
  • People with certain high-risk medical conditions

The Health Department has asked hospitals and clinics to begin inviting patients with the highest risk medical conditions to set an appointment to be vaccinated. These highest risk groups include those over the age of 75, those with cancer, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and those under care for organ transplantation.

The Health Department is also beginning outreach to certain frontline essential workers to schedule appointments to be vaccinated. These groups are being invited in the order listed in the Health Department’s vaccination plan, and will include, first responders, those who work in corrections, service providers who work with vulnerable populations, and public transit. These groups will take weeks to be vaccinated, at which point, additional prioritized groups will start receiving invitations to schedule appointments to be vaccinated. Additionally, the Health Department will work with congregate settings to connect them to vaccine providers. 

COVID Memorial: The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is hosting a memorial this evening to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19. PIC is inviting cities, towns, and homes across the country to join Washington, D.C. in illuminating buildings and ringing church bells in a national moment of unity and remembrance at 5:30 p.m. EST. 

Philadelphia will be highlighted as one of 200+ cities participating in this event. More than 20 of our buildings and structures will be lit up in amber/orange, and numerous local churches will ring their bells in recognition of the lives lost. 

“As we distribute the COVID-19 vaccine and believe there is an end to the pandemic in sight, we can never forget that this virus has already claimed more than 2,700 Philadelphians’ lives,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “At a time when so many of us are grieving the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, it’s important that we honor those we lost. I’m proud that Philadelphia is taking part in this national memorial and I invite all Philadelphians to join us this evening.” 

Participating locations are:

  1. Ben Franklin Bridge
  2. Boathouse Row 
  3. Cathedral Basilica (18th and Ben Franklin Parkway) and other parishes
  4. Centre Square (1500 Market St)
  5. Christ Church 
  6. Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)
  7. City Hall
  8. Delaware River Waterfront RiverRink 
  9. Eastern State Penitentiary 
  10. Fashion District Main Entrance (9th & Market)
  11. FMC Tower, Cira Centre, and Cira Garage
  12. Free Library (1901 Vine St)
  13. Independence Blue Cross (1901 Market St) 
  14. Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles)
  15. PA Convention Center
  16. Park Towne Place Apartments
  17. PECO Building
  18. Philadelphia Int’l Airport Tower spine
  19. PHLCVB signage on corner of 16th & Market
  20. Two Liberty Place (50 S 16th St)
  21. Wells Fargo Center (Flyers/Sixers)
  22. 1900 Market

Philadelphians are encouraged to join fellow Americans by:  

  • Ringing a bell at 5:30 p.m. during the national ceremony to join us in a collective moment of remembrance; and 
  • Tuning in tonight 5:30 p.m. for a ceremony with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, featuring the first-ever lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to honor those who have died. 

The public can join the PIC Facebook event to get the latest updates and share the word and invite family, friends, and loved ones to join us for the COVID-19 Memorial.

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:

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