PHILADELPHIA — In preparation for today’s planned demonstrations, the City has released the following information and updates.
WEATHER: Today’s forecast includes heat with a chance for severe storms. Temperatures are expected to reach towards 90 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. To avoid heat related illness, protest participants should stay hydrated and seek breaks in the shade. Members of the public can stay aware of changing weather conditions by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 for free emergency text alerts from the City.
Due to high temperatures, the Office of Emergency Management is providing water and misting fans at locations in Center City and along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway where demonstrations are planned. In addition, port-o-potties have been placed for public use.
TRAFFIC: Vehicular traffic restrictions and street closures announced yesterday in a separate release, are now in effect. Residents should follow OEM on Twitter for any additional updates.
SEPTA: Due to demonstrations expected on the Ben Franklin Parkway, the following bus routes will be detoured: 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, & 48. Check System Status for detour information. http://realtime.septa.org/systemstatus. In addition, it is possible that SEPTA may have to bypass some stops on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines. Check @SEPTA for the latest info.
MASKS: The Department of Public Health recommends that everyone wear a mask when in public to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Department is distributing free masks while supplies last.
COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR PROTESTERS: Because of the large number of people that have participated in protest activities in Philadelphia, the Department of Public Health believes that there may be an increased likelihood that participants may have been exposed to COVID-19. Those who were at or near a protest—even if they wore a mask—should follow these recommendations to combat the spread of the virus:
- Monitor for symptoms like new-onset fever, cough, or shortness of breath for fourteen days.
- Try to stay away from other people for fourteen days; if you can’t stay at home, be sure to wear a mask properly and try to stay at least six feet from others.
- Get tested for COVID-19 seven days after having been in a crowd; those seeking testing do NOT need to identify that they were at a protest but instead should say they were near someone who may have had COVID-19.
CURFEW: The City also announced the continuation of a citywide curfew which will go into effect on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m on Sunday, June 7. Grocery stores, restaurants and pharmacies may, in their discretion, choose to operate only for delivery services later than 8:00 p.m. and should implement appropriate measures to secure their facilities and protect onsite and delivery employees.
NO PLANNED MEDIA AVAIL: There is no planned media avail with the Mayor or Commissioner Outlaw for members of the press today. Please follow @PhiladelphiaGov and @PhillyPolice on Twitter for updates. The @PhilaOEM account will carry updates on traffic, weather, and health. In the event that an avail is needed later in the day, a media advisory will be distributed.
PHILLY 311: Philadelphia’s non-emergency contact center, 311, will be staffed until 5 p.m. today.
PHILADELPHIA POLICE UPDATE: The following arrest numbers are current as of yesterday. Updated numbers for today will be provided this evening or tomorrow.
Arrests:
- 493 Code Violation Notices for curfew and failure to disperse
- 15 for Assault on police
- 4 for Firearm Violations
- 13 for Theft
- 236 for Looting/Burglary
- 1 for Rioting
- 1 for Propulsion of missile
- 1 for Vandalism
- 2 for Aggravated Assault
- 1 possession of explosives
- Total: 767
Injured Officers: 27 (one still in hospital)