PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 765 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 57,237. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 46 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.
The Department of Public Health confirmed three additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,945. Of the 1,945 total deaths, 924 (48%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 542 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 55 on ventilators.
“Safer at Home” COVID-19 Restrictions: In light of the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia, new “Safer at Home” restrictions will begin on Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m. and will remain in place through January 1, 2021. An extension of these restrictions and/or the implementation of additional restrictions is possible depending on trends in the spread of coronavirus in the city. Updated guidance for various businesses and activities can be found on the City’s website. The “Safer at Home” Executive Order can be viewed here.
Contact Tracing Update: Due to the high number of reported COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia, the Department of Public Health will no longer be reporting weekly contact tracing statistics. Department of Public Health contact tracing staff continue to reach out to people who have tested positive for COVID-19, and encourage people that we cannot get in touch with to notify their own contacts. Once the Department of Public Health is able to contact the majority of new cases on a consistent basis, we will begin reporting these statistics again.
Approved Weekend Street Closures for Outdoor Dining (November 19-22): In June, the City launched four new options for restaurants to operate outdoor dining in order to earn much needed revenue. To see this weekend’s approved street closures, view this blog. Vehicular traffic should avoid these streets.
Testing Site Map: A 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.
COVID-19 Resources:
- City’s COVID-19 homepage: phila.gov/covid-19.
- COVID-19 resources translated into 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.
- Businesses with questions about how to comply with the City’s restrictions should email business@phila.gov.
- The PHL COVID-19 Fund continues to solicit donations to aid nonprofits that are on the frontline of the pandemic.
Resources for Media:
- Recordings of COVID-19 briefings (Subtitles available in multiple languages).
- COVID-19 press releases.