The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 237 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 21,975.
The Department of Public Health noted continued progress in congregate settings, including nursing homes and the Department of Prisons. No additional incarcerated individuals have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is two. Current and cumulative totals of positive cases in Philadelphia prisons are now posted on the testing and data page of the City’s COVID-19 website.
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 1,248. Of the 1,248 total deaths, 663 (53%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 432 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 886 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).
COVID-19 Perception Survey: The City and the University of Pennsylvania today released results of a resident survey on various aspects of life in Philadelphia during the pandemic. The online survey of 626 adult Philadelphia residents was conducted in partnership with Professor Dan Hopkins and Civiqs from May 5 through May 8, 2020. The results were weighted by age, race, gender, and education to be representative of the population of adults in Philadelphia.
75 percent of Philadelphians agree that everyone in Philadelphia needs to wear a mask every time they leave the house.
79 percent of Philadelphians agree that everyone in Philadelphia needs to make it as easy as possible for those around them to “socially distance” in public (i.e., keep six feet of distance between themselves and others).
71 percent of Philadelphians disagree that “it’s now OK for people in Philadelphia to gather in groups outdoors, for example to play basketball or use the playground.”
68 percent of Philadelphians agree that “unless you work at an essential job, it is your responsibility to stay home.”
75 percent of Philadelphians believe that “staying at home, minimizing your social contact with others, and keeping at least six feet away from others” are important steps to take.
68 percent of Philadelphians are worried that they or someone in their families will get sick from coronavirus.
“With the results of this survey, it is clear that the vast majority of Philadelphians get it. They understand the need to follow guidelines for social distancing—including wearing a mask when leaving the house,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “For the one out of four Philadelphians who still doesn’t get it, it’s time to get on board with your neighbors in acting to keep everyone safe. If we are to emerge from this shutdown as quickly as possible, we need as many people as possible to do what is right and follow these common-sense precautions.”
Testing Site Map: The City’s 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.
Each of the testing sites has its own requirements, and that information is included for each location on the map. For example, some sites require referrals, appointments, or certain criteria for patients. No sites require payment, insurance, or proof of citizenship. Residents are strongly encouraged to call first for an appointment or referral; all necessary phone numbers are available on the map.
The finder is available in six languages, and the map will continue to be updated as new testing sites are opened.
Expanded Testing Standards: The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is recommending COVID-19 coronavirus testing for anyone, regardless of age, who meets this criteria:
Known or suspected exposure within the last seven days.
A new cough, new shortness of breath, or two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, new loss of taste or smell.
The expansion of testing recommendations comes as a result of the increasing availability of coronavirus testing at public health and commercial laboratories. Increased testing for the coronavirus is a key part of the City’s and Pennsylvania’s plan to re-open safely.
