PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 234 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 140,663. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 31 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests. 

The Department of Public Health confirmed no additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,501. Of the 3,501 total deaths, 1,194 (34%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 379 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 52 on ventilators.

Reminder of Changes to Safer-at-Home Restrictions: While Pennsylvania has announced a move to rescind all COVID-19 restrictions on May 31, the Health Department has not committed to a date to match that change. As announced last week, the City will be loosening some restrictions today, Friday, May 7. In all of these situations, the Health Commissioner made a strong recommendation that anyone participating in these higher-risk and higher-density events should be vaccinated first.

• For indoor dining

• • Capacity will be increased from 25%, or 50% if restaurants meet enhanced ventilation standards, to 50%, or 75% if restaurants meet enhanced ventilation standards.
  • Maximum table size will be increased from four to six, and there is no longer a requirement that everyone at the table be from the same household.

• For outdoor dining

• • Maximum table size will be increased to 10, which is the state limit.

• For indoor catered events

• • Important to remember that events like indoor weddings are the highest risk.
  • For the first time in more than a year, the City will allow indoor catered social events up to 25% occupancy of space with a cap of 75 persons total.

• • If case rates continue to fall, the City may increase that cap to 150 beginning  May 21.

• Other gatherings and events

• • Indoor gatherings and events will be able to increase their maximum capacity to 25% of normal capacity and outdoor gatherings and events will be able to increase maximum capacity to 50%.

COVID-19 Resources:

• City’s COVID-19 homepage: phila.gov/covid-19.
• COVID-19 guidance in multiple languages.
• Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 response.
• Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline: 1 (800) 722-7112.
• Residents can text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to get updates sent to their phones.
• Residents can now set their own appointments to be vaccinated at City-run clinics.
• There are multiple public transit options to get to City-run clinics.
• COVID-19 testing is available for free at sites throughout Philadelphia.
• Businesses with questions about how to comply with the City’s restrictions should email business@phila.gov. 
• The COVID Prevention and Response Fund is accepting donations to aid nonprofits and individuals that are supporting their community through the pandemic.

Resources for Media:

• Recordings of COVID-19 briefings (Subtitles available in multiple languages).
• COVID-19 press releases.