PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 629 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 96,088. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 21 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.
The Department of Public Health confirmed 23 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 2,596. Of the 2,596 total deaths, 1,029 (40%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 651 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 81 on ventilators.
Mass Vaccine Clinic: The first mass community vaccine clinic opened this morning to begin distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to critical medical workers, including home health care workers who go into the homes of the most vulnerable Philadelphians. The clinic is being run by Philly Fighting COVID, in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and is open only to those who have been invited and registered.
Indoor Dining: If Philadelphia does not experience a spike in COVID-19 cases between now and January 15, the City plans to allow limited indoor dining to resume beginning January 16. Details will be provided at next Tuesday’s COVID press conference, and guidance will be added to the City’s website at that time.
Approved Weekend Street Closures for Outdoor Dining (January 8-10): 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.