PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 261 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 116,258. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 15 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.
The Department of Public Health confirmed one additional fatality in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,170. Of the 3,170 total deaths, 1,163 (37%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 227 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 31 on ventilators.
Mayor Kenney today marked the one-year anniversary of Philadelphia’s first case of COVID-19, announced on March 10, 2020, saying: “In the year since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Philadelphia, more than 116,000 of our residents have tested positive for this virus. While these numbers are staggering, we also know the reality could have been much worse. I thank those front line workers who have helped save lives and keep our city running, as well as every individual who has done their part by honoring restrictions and masking up.”
Learn more about how the City has responded to COVID-19 and its far-reaching impacts over the past year in this blog post.
Philadelphia Expands Vaccine Eligibility to Those 65 and Older: The Department of Public Health today notified COVID-19 vaccine providers that the Philadelphia Vaccine Advisory Committee has recommended a change to the Philadelphia Phase 1b eligibility criteria to include those aged 65 years and older. Previously, eligibility by age criteria for Philadelphia Phase 1b was only those who were 75 years or older. This change is possible because of the increased number of vaccine doses coming into the city and was considered by the Vaccine Advisory Committee in order to bring the city’s vaccine distribution program into line with the surrounding counties and states.
The change to eligibility by age criteria for Phase 1b expands the pool of individuals who can be invited for an appointment after registering through the City’s Vaccine Interest Form. Those who are aged 65 or older are encouraged to register on the City’s Vaccine Interest form at phila.gov/vaccineinterest, or by dialing 3-1-1 so they can be notified and directed to set an appointment at a City-run or partner clinic. Virtually all of the COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Philadelphia are by appointment only. The Black Doctor’s COVID-19 Consortium is the only vaccine provider in the city with walk-up clinics. Every other provider, including the Center City Vaccination Center (the FEMA-run clinic at the Convention Center), requires an appointment and is open only to those who are Philadelphia residents and eligible in Philadelphia Phase 1b.This change is effective immediately.
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:
- 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.
- Complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form (for individuals) or the Workforce COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Form (for employers).
- 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.