PHILADELPHIA –The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 165 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 130,117. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 35 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. 

The Department of Public Health confirmed five additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,341. Of the 3,341 total deaths, 1,183 (35%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 504 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 58 on ventilators.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Stoppage: The Department of Public Health has paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following a statement from the U.S. FDA regarding rare instances of blood clotting after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The City and all partner clinics will not provide this vaccine until receiving further guidance. 

People who have received the J&J vaccine, and who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, should immediately contact their health care provider. Health care providers are asked to report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System here.

“We are very concerned about this new development, and in the interest of safety, we are following the FDA’s guidance and telling all of our providers to immediately stop using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine,” Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said. “I have full confidence that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine that is still available is safe and effective and strongly encourage folks to get vaccinated with those vaccines as soon as possible.”  The Department’s full announcement can be found here.

Public Transit Options to City-run COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: The Esperanza Vaccination Center in Hunting Park is closed today because of the J&J vaccine stoppage, but anticipates re-opening later this week. With that in mind, public transit continues to be a key component of ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine through Esperanza and other community-based sites. The following is an updated list of transit options available to Philadelphians seeking to be vaccinated at either of the FEMA-supported Vaccination Centers.

Public Transit

  • Transportation should not and does not have to be a barrier to access. All city-run and FEMA-supported vaccination clinics are accessible by transit. 
  • SEPTA continues to promote safe and healthy travel during the pandemic. Masks are required, and employee-ambassadors will reinforce this mandate and give out free masks as part of the Mask Force Philly program.
  • The Center City Vaccination Center is a block away from the SEPTA Jefferson Station and is serviced by 11 regional rail lines, the Market-Frankford Subway Line, and 10 different bus routes: 17, 23, 33, 38, 44, 47, 47M, 48, 61, and 62.
  • The Esperanza Community Vaccination Center is serviced by the 47 and 53 bus routes and the Broad Street Subway Line. The closest subway stop is Hunting Park and the closest ADA accessible stop is Allegheny.
  • There is also a FREE express shuttle between the Broad Street Subway Line Allegheny stop and the Esperanza site. The shuttle will run on a continuous loop during the clinic hours of operation.
  • The City of Philadelphia will be distributing free transit passes at all City-run and FEMA supported sites. If you require transportation assistance, please ask any City staff member at the clinic for support. 
  • The City of Philadelphia is also partnering with community-based organizations to distribute transit passes for vaccine access. If you are interested in distributing transit passes to your community and/or constituents, please e-mail oem@phila.gov. 

SEPTA CCT

  • SEPTA, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, has expanded Customized Community Transportation (CCT) service for seniors 65 or older, individuals with disabilities and/or access and functional needs, or anyone who requires a door-to-door vaccination ride accommodation. To qualify, they must be a resident of Philadelphia and be unable to secure transportation otherwise.
  • The service is available to individuals not yet registered with SEPTA CCT.
  • Individuals already registered with SEPTA CCT are also able to request a ride to their vaccination appointment.
  • This service is provided free of charge to anyone traveling to any City-run or FEMA-supported vaccination clinic.
  • Individuals can request a ride to their vaccination appointment by dialing 3-1-1 and selecting Option 5 between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Requests should be made at least 72 hours before the date of the appointment.

Community Shuttle Bus Service

  • Limited community shuttle services are available for communities that have transportation access needs. Shuttle services must be coordinated through a central community organization and requested at least three days in advance. The city is reaching out to community organizations with information about how to organize shuttle services.
  • If you are interested in scheduling a community shuttle bus to travel to a vaccination site, please e-mail oem@phila.gov. 

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:

Resources for Media:

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