Philadelphia’s COVID-19 numbers will continue to rise. We will see more confirmed cases, more cases under investigation, and more people in quarantine. We know the rising numbers can be scary. They also mean that our health system is identifying people who have been exposed, and they mean that Philadelphians are reaching out if they have symptoms.
Essential workers – in groceries and pharmacies, public safety, sanitation, health and human services, transportation, communications, and utilities – are working around the clock to keep everyone safe. We need their services more than ever. Please continue to take precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the essential workers we all need to stay healthy.
What can you do?
Stay home
The City has halted non-essential activity. Keeping physical distance among us is the most important thing we can each do to stop COVID-19.
See these resources for applying for unemployment or worker’s comp, working from home, talking to children about COVID-19, learning at home from the School District and Free Library, and caring for your mental and behavioral health in isolation.
Wash your hands
Frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
Monitor yourself for symptoms
The most common COVID-19 symptoms are high fever and a dry cough. Call your primary care physician if you believe you should be tested for COVID-19.
If you do not have a primary care physician, call the hospital you visited most recently, or a clinic or urgent care. Calling first makes it possible for medical professionals to ensure you can be seen without getting anyone else sick.
Get your medical questions answered
Call the 24/7 Philadelphia COVID-19 helpline at 1-800-722-7112.
Read guidance on City, state and CDC websites. See mental health and addiction services available in Philadelphia during COVID-19 closures.
Learn about Philadelphia’s response
Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to get updates to your phone. Watch the City’s daily 1 p.m. briefing on Twitter or Facebook.
Visit phila.gov/covid-19 for the latest updates and information.
Call 311 with any questions about City services or the City’s response to COVID-19.
Check on neighbors, friends, and family
Especially those who live alone, are elderly, have disabilities, speak limited English, or have children who may need free meals. Use the phone! We all have a part to play to make sure everyone has up-to-date and accurate info.
Volunteer
Register with the City’s Medical Reserve Corps. Both clinical and non-clinical volunteers are needed. Here are more ways you can help.
Thank you to our health care workers and first responders. Thank you to the Philadelphians stocking food and pharmacy shelves. Thank you to everyone at SEPTA, and everyone making sure our water, lights, heat, and communications stay on. And thank you to everyone else for staying home and following the additional recommendations above.
