PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 631 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 132,560. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 112 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.
The Department of Public Health confirmed 16 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,375. Of the 3,375 total deaths, 1,186 (35%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 513 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 53 on ventilators.
City of Philadelphia Moves to Phase 2 COVID-19 Vaccine Effective Immediately: During the Health Commissioner’s Friday COVID briefing, he announced that all Philadelphia residents over the age of 16 are immediately eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. The City originally planned to move to Phase 2 on Monday, April 19, but in response to reports from vaccine partners having difficulty filling appointments that change was moved up to today.
This change affects all vaccine providers in Philadelphia, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, community organizations, and the City’s clinics. Dr. Farley stressed that Philadelphians over the age of 65 are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If people are having difficulty setting an appointment, the Center City Vaccination Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Esperanza Community Vaccination Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend. Both clinics will be accepting walk-ups and administering the Pfizer vaccine. View this blog to learn more.
Four New Organizations Announced as Community Vaccine RFP Award Recipients: This week, the Health Department announced that the following organizations have successfully applied to the request for proposals to open or expand COVID-19 vaccination clinics in underserved areas:
- CityLife Health
- Congreso
- Penn Medicine
- Puentes de Salud
Details on the specific awards and proposals are still being worked out. More information about the PMHCC Community Vaccine RFP can be found on the City’s website.
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.