PHILADELPHIA –The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 211 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 142,014. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 25 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 3,567. Of the 3,567 total deaths, 1,202 (34%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 317 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 50 on ventilators.

Sixers Team to Offer Game Tickets as COVID Vaccine Incentive: The Sixers are partnering with the City to provide 500 FREE tickets to the home game against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, May 16 at 7 p.m. As an incentive for getting vaccinated at the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium Clinic at Deliverance Evangelistic Church (2100 W. Lehigh Avenue) or the Esperanza Community Vaccination Center (4261 N. 5th Street) on Saturday, May 15, individuals will get a ticket to Sunday’s game while supplies last.

Guidance on Mask Use in Philadelphia: The Health Department is currently reviewing the CDC’s and state’s updated guidance on mask use for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID (meaning at least two weeks has passed since their second dose of a two-dose regimen, or two weeks has passed since they received a one-dose regimen). 

Philadelphia has frequently been more strict than the rest of the state. Masks have been one of the most effective tools we have in stopping the spread of COVID-19. The Health Department wants to make sure that all of the implications of allowing people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID to go unmasked is understood. We expect to have a decision on this updated guidance within days.

Philly311 is Assisting Residents with COVID-19 Related Issues: Between March 2020 and April 2021, Philly311 has processed over 45,000 COVID-19 related inquiries. Recently,  the City of Philadelphia expanded its 311 call center to offer more services to Philadelphians. To see the eight ways in which Philly311 is helping residents affected by the pandemic, view this blog, or call 3-1-1 or 215-686-8686 if outside Philadelphia.

Mayor Kenney and Partners Urge Philadelphians to Claim the Expanded Child Tax Credit​: Mayor Jim Kenney and other City officials and community leaders today to urged Philadelphians to claim the Child Tax Credit passed as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and called on federal lawmakers to make the changes permanent. The benefit, included for one year in the ARP, will provide payments of $250 or $300 per child monthly to eligible households, starting in July, but individuals must file their taxes to qualify. The credit is expected to provide a major boost for working and middle-class families, and could lift an estimated 75,000 Philadelphians out of poverty. More information is available in this press release and blog post. 

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