PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 441 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 135,949. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 32 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. 

The Department of Public Health confirmed 12 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,434. Of the 3,434 total deaths, 1,190 (35%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 547 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 53 on ventilators.

Changes to Restaurant Safer-at-home Guidance: During the Friday briefing, Dr. Farley announced the following changes to the existing restaurant guidance, effective immediately.

  • Restaurants with existing outdoor footprints can increase outdoor capacity above 50 people. Tables must remain at least six feet apart chairback to chairback. Restaurants interested in integrating this increase must complete and submit the Application for Food Business Outdoor Seating 50+, currently found on the City’s COVID-19 guidance webpage.
  • Restaurants with bars may allow limited bar seating. Groups of four or fewer from the same household must be kept at least six feet apart and there must be a barrier between patrons and the bartender.

The guidance online is being updated now and will be posted soon.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to Reopen Tomorrow: The application to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) will reopen tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. after experiencing technical issues upon its initial launch on April 8. SVOG was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. 

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45 percent of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. Eligible venues include: live venue operators/promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, and zoos and aquariums that meet specific criteria.

Public Transit Options to City-run COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: Public transit is a key component of ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine at the Center City Vaccination Center and Esperanza Community Vaccination Center and other community-based sites. This web-based map shows all transit routes to the vaccine sites and this static map shows frequent routes to the sites. 

The following is a 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 Community Vaccination Center. 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. Individuals who need help with transportation can 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, email oem@phila.gov. 
  • For more information about using public transit to get to a community clinic, see this flyer about transportation options.

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 contacting Philly311 (dial 3-1-1) and selecting Option 5 between 8 a.m. to 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, email 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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