PHILADELPHIA –The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 202 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 141,803. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 34 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. 

The Department of Public Health confirmed 11 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,555. Of the 3,555 total deaths, 1,200 (34%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 329 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 54 on ventilators.

Health Department Approves Pfizer Vaccine for Philadelphians Age 12 to 15: Following the FDA’s and CDC’s approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in teenagers aged 12 to 15, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced that it had notified all vaccine providers in the city that they were approved to begin administering the vaccine to this age group. Vaccine clinics run by the City that administer the Pfizer vaccine, including the Center City Vaccination Center, began vaccinating 12- to 15-year-olds as soon as possible. The City strongly recommends that everyone that is eligible, a group which now includes 12- to 15-year-olds, get vaccinated as soon as possible.

At City-run sites that have Pfizer vaccine, children ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians must bring documentation of the child’s age, which can include:

  • Access school or health care portals via phone
  • Copy of school or sports health forms
  • Insurance Cards
  • Passports
  • Birth certificates or photos of their birth certificate
  • Any other documents with the child’s name and date of birth.

People can find which vaccine is being used at City-run sites and set an appointment at phila.gov/vaccine. Private vaccine clinics can be found at vaccines.gov. 

Philly Counts Ambassador Program: Philly Counts Ambassador Program is a paid, ten-week organizing and workforce development program. Ambassadors will work in priority neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, as identified by Philly Counts in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, helping create carry-out plans to spread the word about the COVID-19 vaccines and provide the information people need to make healthy decisions for themselves and their loved ones. 

Philly Counts Ambassadors will learn, practice, and execute community organizing tactics that will be useful now and in the future. Those who complete the development program will receive workforce development opportunities to help with networking and future job seeking. Ambassadors must commit 20 hours per week and complete a capstone project. Ambassadors will be paid $15/hr and will receive a Chromebook and a Septa key to cover weekly transportation and a stipend to reimburse for costs including Internet, lunch, and other incidental costs. The program is supported by the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia Covid-19 Action Fund. The deadline to apply is May 26, 2021. Members of the public can apply here. 

Approved Weekend Street Closures for Outdoor Dining (May 14 – May 16): 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.

COVID-19 Resources:

Resources for Media:

 

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