PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 1,082 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 137,031. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 51 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. Today’s case count represents totals for three days, since new cases were last reported on Friday, April 23.

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 3,442. Of the 3,442 total deaths, 1,191 (35%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 528 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 47 on ventilators.

Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Approved for Use in Philadelphia: On Friday, the U.S. CDC approved the use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine following a “pause” to investigate clotting issues in women younger than 50 associated with the vaccine. They issued an updated fact sheet for recipients and caregivers that detail symptoms that people receiving the vaccine should be aware of. These symptoms include: 

  • Shortness of breath,
  • Chest pain,
  • Leg swelling,
  • Persistent abdominal pain,
  • Severe or persistent headaches or blurred vision,
  • Easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of the injection.

If you have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last two weeks, and experience any of those symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Both the Health Department and the CDC feel that the risk of this clotting issue is very small, and the vaccine still provides excellent protection against COVID-19, which has killed nearly 3,500 Philadelphians. The Health Department has notified all vaccine providers in the city that they are allowed to begin administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine again. The Health Department continues to recommend that all Philadelphians get vaccinated against COVID-19 with whatever vaccine is available to them. The City is making vaccines available at more than 250 sites throughout the city. Many sites, including the Center City Vaccination Center and Esperanza Community Vaccination Center, have walk-up availability. If residents would like to set an appointment at a City-run clinic, they can do so at https://www.phila.gov/vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Micro-site Request for Proposals: The Health Department seeks to expand the availability of COVID-19 testing and vaccination by establishing easily accessible “micro-sites” in geographic areas and communities with low vaccination and testing rates. The Health Department has partnered with the Urban Affairs Coalition, Inc. to solicit proposals from qualified agencies and organizations to implement the COVID-19 Micro-Site Program. The RFP is posted on the City’s COVID-19 website.

Public Transit Options to City-run COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: Public transit is a key component of ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine at the Center City Vaccination Center and Esperanza Community Vaccination Center and other community-based sites. This web-based map shows all transit routes to the vaccine sites and this static map shows frequent routes to the sites. 

The following is a list of transit options available to Philadelphians seeking to be vaccinated at either of the FEMA-supported Vaccination Centers.

Public Transit

  • Transportation should not and does not have to be a barrier to access. All City-run and FEMA-supported vaccination clinics are accessible by transit. 
  • SEPTA continues to promote safe and healthy travel during the pandemic. Masks are required, and employee-ambassadors will reinforce this mandate and give out FREE masks as part of the Mask Force Philly program.
  • The Center City Vaccination Center is a block away from the SEPTA Jefferson Station and is serviced by 11 Regional Rail lines, the Market-Frankford Subway Line, and 10 different bus routes: 17, 23, 33, 38, 44, 47, 47M, 48, 61, and 62.
  • The Esperanza Community Vaccination Center is serviced by the 47 and 53 bus routes and the Broad Street Subway Line. The closest subway stop is Hunting Park and the closest ADA accessible stop is Allegheny.
  • There is also a FREE express shuttle between the Broad Street Subway Line Allegheny stop and the Esperanza Community Vaccination Center. The shuttle will run on a continuous loop during the clinic hours of operation.
  • The City of Philadelphia will be distributing FREE transit passes at all City-run and FEMA supported sites. Individuals who need help with transportation can ask any City staff member at the clinic for support. 
  • The City of Philadelphia is also partnering with community-based organizations to distribute transit passes for vaccine access. If you are interested in distributing transit passes to your community and/or constituents, email oem@phila.gov. 
  • For more information about using public transit to get to a community clinic, see this flyer about transportation options.

SEPTA CCT

  • SEPTA, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, has expanded Customized Community Transportation (CCT) service for seniors 65 or older, individuals with disabilities and/or access and functional needs, or anyone who requires a door-to-door vaccination ride accommodation.
  • To qualify, they must be a resident of Philadelphia and be unable to secure transportation otherwise.
  • The service is available to individuals not yet registered with SEPTA CCT.
  • Individuals already registered with SEPTA CCT are also able to request a ride to their vaccination appointment.
  • This service is provided FREE of charge to anyone traveling to any City-run or FEMA-supported vaccination clinic.
  • Individuals can request a ride to their vaccination appointment by contacting Philly311 (dial 3-1-1) and selecting Option 5 between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Requests should be made at least 72 hours before the date of the appointment.

Community Shuttle Bus Service

  • Limited community shuttle services are available for communities that have transportation access needs. Shuttle services must be coordinated through a central community organization and requested at least three days in advance. The City is reaching out to community organizations with information about how to organize shuttle services.
  • If you are interested in scheduling a community shuttle bus to travel to a vaccination site, email oem@phila.gov.

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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