PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 468 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 127,909. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 121 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. 

The Department of Public Health confirmed nine additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,315. Of the 3,315 total deaths, 1,183 (36%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 482 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 61 on ventilators.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to Open Today: The application to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) opened today, April 8 at noon. SVOG was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. 

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45 percent of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. Eligible venues include: live venue operators/promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, and zoos and aquariums that meet specific criteria.

Friday Briefing with Dr. Farley Canceled Tomorrow: Due to another press conference on COVID vaccine being planned for earlier in the day, the Health Department will not be holding their weekly Friday briefing tomorrow, April 9. An advisory on the other press conference will be issued later this afternoon. The normal schedule will resume next week, with briefings on Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Approved Weekend Street Closures for Outdoor Dining (April 9-11): In June 2020, the City launched four new options for restaurants to operate outdoor dining in order to earn much needed revenue. To see this weekend’s approved street closures, view this blog. Vehicular traffic should avoid these streets.

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 Vaccine Interest Forms: The City has launched two forms to help Philadelphians register their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. These forms are not for registering for an appointment, but will tell the Department of Public Health how to contact you when you are eligible and vaccine is available for you.

  • Members of the public are encouraged to register using the COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form. The form is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French. Individuals who do not have access to the internet can contact Philly311 (dial 3-1-1) for help completing the interest form.
  • Employers are encouraged to complete the Workforce COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Form. Employers that complete this form will be contacted to help set up opportunities to vaccinate their prioritized staff when they are eligible and vaccine is available. 

COVID-19 Resources:

Resources for Media:

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