PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 370 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 16,410. 

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. No additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 29.

The Department of Public Health confirmed 17 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 743. Of the 743 total deaths, 392 (53%) were long-term care facility residents. 

The Department of Public Health reports 961 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,809 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

Out-of-School Time Goes Virtual: Beginning this week, 128 Philadelphia Out-of-School Time (OST) programs will provide online after-school activities like educational games, lessons, and academic support for enrolled K-12 grade students. OST participants will be able to access fun activities and interactive group projects in STEM / STEAM, arts, crafts, math, music, movement, sports, and more. These programs are open to students enrolled in City-funded OST programs, but the City will make activity resources available online to all OST providers and families who wish to use them. The City is committed to supporting student success during this time—online OST will provide additional academic and social enrichment and interaction with caring and committed adults.

WorkReady Update: The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, the Philadelphia Youth Network, Philadelphia Works, and WorkReady partner organizations have joined together to create a virtual summer jobs initiative in the midst of the pandemic. They will be using both digital and virtual experiences to build skills and prepare young people for success in the workplaces of the future.

This year, WorkReady experiences will be redesigned. All participants will have a digital experience to earn incentives. These digital experiences are both mobile and computer friendly and will focus on:

  • Digital Career Exposure to learn about various career opportunities based on personal interests, abilities and aptitudes, leading to the implementation of a career plan.
  • Financial Literacy to learn how money is earned, spent and saved, and how to use financial resources.
  • Digital Literacy and Brand Identity to learn how to use, share and contribute to information through digital technologies.

“We know that these summer experiences for young people will be more important than ever in the months and years to come as we collectively contribute to Philadelphia’s and the nation’s economic recovery,” said Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, President and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). “Our young people are an asset, and we are still #ALLin4WorkReady to cultivate their talent and potential.”

There are three ways to get involved at workready.org:

  • Apply if you are between the ages of 12 and 24 living in Philadelphia.
  • Hire young people virtually this summer. We’re here to help you think this through.
  • Donate to the Philly Summer Jobs fund. Every dollar helps us to help create as many opportunities as possible this summer.

“We want to make sure that our young people are included in these recovery efforts,” said Cynthia Figueroa, Deputy Mayor, Philadelphia Office of Children and Families. “Investing in summer experiences will help lift our communities and City beyond this pandemic and we are proud to stand as a city #ALLin4WorkReady.”

“We fully understand the severity of the economic impact COVID-19 is having on our local economy and how businesses are navigating this,” said H. Patrick Clancy, President and CEO of Philadelphia Works. “Developing a strong talent pipeline remains a priority for our city and its economic recovery and summer experiences remain a critical part of this.”

Space Pad Decals: The City is proud to announce a new partnership between Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health designed to remind folks about proper social distancing. Space pad decals are being installed at six Philadelphia Housing Authority sites that are serving as feeding sites, and dozens more will be placed in the weeks coming. This project is a part of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s existing space pad program and will be scaled up to include future sites with support from the Partnership for Healthy Cities. You can learn more about the project on the Mural Arts Philadelphia website.

Testing Sites: A list of available testing sites is provided on the City’s website. Click on “Where Can Someone Get Tested?” The list includes private testing sites being run by hospital systems and other organizations across the city, as well as public testing sites. If individuals are not able to get tested through their medical provider or do not have a medical provider, they can be tested at one of the public testing sites listed on the website.

Expanded Testing Standards: The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is now recommending COVID-19 coronavirus testing for anyone regardless of age who has a new cough, is experiencing new shortness of breath, or two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, new loss of taste or smell. The expansion of testing recommendations comes as a result of the increasing availability of coronavirus testing at public health and commercial laboratories. Increased testing for the coronavirus is a key part of the City’s and Pennsylvania’s plan to re-open safely. More details can be found here.

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