PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 311 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 7,441.

The Department of Public Health again noted clusters of positive cases in congregate settings, including nursing homes, behavioral health facilities, and the Department of Prisons. Three additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 56.

The Department of Public Health confirmed 16 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 222. Of the 222 total deaths, 111 were long-term care facility residents. Further demographic details are available at phila.gov/covid-19.

The Department of Public Health reports 778 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,428 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

Quarantine and Isolation Spaces: Mayor Kenney today announced that the City has reached agreements with two other hotels for quarantine and isolation space, in addition to the previously-announced use of the Holiday Inn Express. The other sites are the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Center City, and the Marriott Springhill Suites at the Philadelphia International Airport.

The two additional sites will be used for first responders who need quarantine or isolation space. The Holiday Inn Express, which currently has 40 occupants, is for anyone who cannot quarantine or isolate at home, including first responders and individuals who are homeless. The Mayor specifically thanked Fairfield Inn General Manager Jim Lawrence-Evans and the entire Wankawala Organization, and Marriott Springhill Suites owner Charlene Schwartz, and the General Manager, Jen Lamken, for their willingness to provide their facilities for this important need at nominal terms.

Resources for Babies: The Department of Public Health, along with the Office of Children and Families, announced nine community sites where caregivers of infants can find free baby supplies—including diapers. A list of the sites—including hours, supplies offered, and contact information—is available here on the City’s website.

In addition, the Philadelphia Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides eligible caregivers with an EBT card they can use to purchase food, diapers and formula. To enroll in Philadelphia WIC residents can apply online, email phillywic@northwic.org, or call 215-978-6100.

Breastfeeding support is available virtually through Pacify–a free, mobile app that gives on-demand access to professional lactation (breastfeeding) experts. Moms should use the enrollment code ‘Philly.’

Senior Meal Sites: Today the City and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) announced meal distribution sites for older adults. A total of 23 sites are open for grab-and-go meals. Since this list is subject to change, older adults should always call each site first to be added to the list for meals, confirm pick up time, or to discuss other meal arrangements. Family members can pick up for the seniors.

Three Philadelphia Parks & Recreation older adult centers are among the list of sites offering grab-and-go meals for seniors. The three locations are Northeast, Mann, and Martin Luther King, Jr. older adult centers. These centers are distributing meals each Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. People will get two meals on Mondays and three meals on Wednesdays.

Recognizing that many older adults may have difficulty leaving their homes, family members may pick up meals, with prior arrangement at each site. Centers will also work with PCA to arrange for meals to be home delivered, if needed.

“PCA takes its responsibilities extremely seriously as an essential service for our consumers,” said Najja Orr, PCA president & CEO. “Since the initial stay-at-home order, our staff, volunteers and organizing partners have worked to keep our Meal Distribution Center open to provide vital meals to those in need. We will continue to do our absolute best so that seniors get the food they need during this crisis.”

A list of senior meal sites is included in the table below. An online map is also available.
 

In addition, the City is launching two new youth meal distribution sites. Effective tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., meals for children and youth will also be available for pick up at our Parks & Recreation facilities at Tarken Playground and Scanlon Ice Rink and Playground. The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation and the Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are supporting food distribution at these sites.

These youth meal sites expand on the City and partners’ response to food insecurity during COVID-19, which includes 40 food distribution sites across the city, plus 80+ student meal sites and 23 senior meal sites. So far, these sites have given out 55,799 boxes of food, and over one million student meals.

Testing Sites: The City-run location in Center City continues to serve those who are over the age of 50 and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as health care workers who are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus. The site is available by appointment only and a referral is required. Those who meet the criteria and want a test can call (267) 491-5870 to obtain a referral.There are also more than 20 private testing sites across the city run by hospital systems and other organizations.

COVID-19 Resources:

• City’s COVID-19 homepage: phila.gov/covid-19.
• COVID-19 resources translated in multiple languages.
• Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline: 1 (800) 722-7112.
• Residents can text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to get updates sent to their phones.
• Find out more about testing for COVID-19.
• Updates and guidance for Philadelphia employees and employers.
• Information and resources for workers.
• The PHL COVID-19 Fund continues to solicit donations to aid nonprofits that are on the frontline of the pandemic.
• For Businesses:
  • Financial support and additional resources for businesses can be found here.
  • Business owners or managers who have questions about the restrictions in the City’s latest Business Activity and Stay at Home Order can email vbeoc@phila.gov.
  • L&I guidance on construction work following City Business Activity and Stay at Home Order.
  • The City is extending filing and payment dates for Real Estate and some business taxes.

Resources for Media:

• Recordings of COVID-19 daily briefings. (Subtitles available in multiple languages)
• COVID-19 press releases.