PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 342 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 114,176. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 54 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. 

The Department of Public Health confirmed 11 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,112. Of the 3,112 total deaths, 1148 (37%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 251 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 42 on ventilators.

Changes to Event Limits: On Monday, March 1, in response to lower COVID-19 case counts, Governor Wolf updated the State’s restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, raising the percentage of people who can attend events, like sporting events, to 20 percent of capacity at outdoor events and 15 percent of capacity at indoor events. These restrictions are effective in Philadelphia immediately. The City is currently working to update the Safer-at-Home Order and our local guidance to match the new guidance from the State. 

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: The Department of Public Health expects to receive about 13,000 doses of single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week. The City will not receive any more Johnson & Johnson vaccine for a few weeks. The Department of Public Health is in planning conversations with health care providers to find out where the vaccine will be distributed and administered. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said during Tuesday’s press briefing that it will likely be made available through hospitals and community health providers to Philadelphians who are more difficult to reach, such as homebound residents and those with limited mobility.

Appointment Cancellations: The Department of Public Health has cancelled a number of vaccine appointments at the Center City Vaccination Center set by people who are not currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Philadelphia. The only people who are eligible for the vaccine at this point, and at the Center City Vaccination Center, are Philadelphia residents who meet the Philadelphia Phase 1a and 1b criteria. The Department of Public Health is working with the appointment registration software vendor to implement a solution to prevent these types of rogue appointments from being set. The Department of Public Health is hopeful that this technology upgrade—among the first in the nation—will go live this week.

Center City Vaccination Center: Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today joined Mayor Kenney and other local officials at the Center City Vaccination Center—one of FEMA’s Community Vaccination Center (CVC) pilot facilities. The Secretary received a briefing on the COVID-19 vaccination process being implemented and supported by FEMA at this location. The site has the capacity to vaccinate up to 6,000 Philadelphians per day and will prioritize eligible residents from phases 1a and 1b that have signed up on the Philadelphia COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form. It will operate seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., through April 30, 2021. Further details are available in this press release. 

Food Site Update: Share Food Program and Philabundance will continue to operate weekly free food distributions across the city, with some changes to locations and schedules. These distributions are now listed on phila.gov/food.

Beginning this week, residents can find over 30 new food sites using phila.gov/food. These sites will distribute free food boxes on different days throughout the week. This means residents are able to pick up free and healthy food for their household on different days and times throughout the week, including the weekend and evenings. All households are eligible and no ID is required. Families are encouraged to confirm locations and schedules by calling 3-1-1 or visiting phila.gov/food.

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 Vaccine Interest Forms: The City has launched two forms to help Philadelphians register their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. These forms are not for registering for an appointment, but will tell the Department of Public Health how to contact you when you are eligible and vaccine is available for you.

  • Members of the public are encouraged to register using the COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form. The form is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French. Individuals who do not have access to the internet can contact Philly311 (dial 3-1-1) for help completing the interest form.
  • Employers are encouraged to complete the Workforce COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Form. Employers that complete this form will be contacted to help set up opportunities to vaccinate their prioritized staff when they are eligible and vaccine is available. 

COVID-19 Resources:

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