PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 97 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 21,738. Today’s totals may be indicative of delayed reporting over the holiday weekend.

The Department of Public Health noted continued progress in congregate settings, including nursing homes and the Department of Prisons. No additional incarcerated individuals have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is two. Current and cumulative totals of positive cases in Philadelphia prisons are now posted on the testing and data page of the City’s COVID-19 website.

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 1,243. Of the 1,243 total deaths, 662 (53%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 439 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 891 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

Amendments to Business Activity and Stay-at-Home Order: As Philadelphia continues to prepare for a phased reopening with the expectation that the region will move to “yellow” on June 5, there are some steps that can be taken now to begin easing restrictions while we remain in “red.” Today, Mayor Kenney and Dr. Farley signed an amendment to the Business Activity and Stay-at-Home Order that goes into effect immediately.

The amended order allows walk-up ordering at food service businesses—including restaurants and mobile vendors—to resume, subject to general social distancing requirements. Dine-in service is still strictly prohibited, and face coverings are required at all times for walk-up ordering. Restaurants cannot permit lines of more than 10 customers to form in or around facilities. 

The order also includes relaxations on certain restrictions for construction and real estate activity. The scope of the City’s April 29 Construction Authorization Order will be revised to allow construction under building permits issued after March 20. Philadelphia’s order has been updated to reflect Governor Wolf’s determination on May 19 that businesses in the real estate industry can generally begin to operate throughout the state, as long as guidance to reduce risks in connection with such operations is followed.

Expanded Testing Standards: The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is recommending COVID-19 coronavirus testing for anyone, regardless of age, who meets this criteria:

  • Known or suspected exposure within the last seven days.
  • A new cough, 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.

Mail-In Ballot Application Deadline: Because of the continued need for social distancing, Mayor Kenney urges all residents to use mail-in ballots for the upcoming primary election on June 2, 2020. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is today, May 26, at 5 p.m. Although polling places will be open on June 2, voting by mail will help reduce transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the number of voters gathering at polling places.

Residents can apply online for a mail-in ballot before that deadline here. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License or PennDOT ID number is required. Residents can also download a ballot application, however a printed application must be received in the Board of Elections Office by 5 p.m. today, irrespective of postmarks. Residents can drop the ballot application before 5 p.m. in the special mailbox that the City Commissioners have set up on the south side of City Hall, near the Catto statue.

Testing Site Map: A new 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.

Each of the testing sites has its own requirements, and that information is included for each location on the map. For example, some sites require referrals, appointments, or certain criteria for patients. No sites require payment, insurance, or proof of citizenship. Residents are strongly encouraged to call first for an appointment or referral; all necessary phone numbers are available on the map.

The finder is available in six languages, and the map will continue to be updated as new testing sites are opened.

COVID-19 Resources:

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