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The number of confirmed cases in Philadelphia has increased to 34, adding 16 new cases since yesterday.
Of the cases, 19 individuals are ages 20 to 39, 10 are ages 40 to 59 and five are over the age of 60, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said at a news conference this afternoon. Twenty-two are males and 12 are females, and they are comprised of multiple races.
“We have seen rapid growth and expect it to continue,” Farley said.
The city is monitoring 144 people who have been in contact with known cases, and since yesterday has tested 177 additional individuals.
Rapid drive-through testing sites have been set up at facilities such as University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Jefferson Hospital, Main Line Health and will possibly be set up at the stadium area. People who use testing here must pass criteria such as displaying common symptoms like dry cough, fever and, to a lesser extent, severe fatigue. No sites have been established in the Northeast area, though more are in the process of being built, Farley said.
If you have symptoms of the virus, contact your most recent health care provider, Farley said.
Comcast is offering its Internet Essentials for free to new customers for 60 days, in addition to increasing the speed from 12/5 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps for all customers. Visit InternetEssentials.com to learn more.
In addition, there are a number of Xfinity hotspots that users can connect to, though access may be limited due to the nonessential business shutdown. A map of hotspots can be found at wifi.xfinity.com/ and by searching your ZIP code.
Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia Gas Works and PECO have all promised they will not shut down services on late bills through various dates in May. PWD will not shut off water through May 15, and PECO will not shut off electricity until May 1. PGW did not specify a date but said it would not shut off services and would waive late fees.
Up to two meals for youths are available at these local schools Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon:
- A.L. FitzPatrick, 11061 Knights Road
- Benjamin Franklin, 5737 Rising Sun Ave.
- William H. Loesche, 595 Tomlinson Road
- Mayfair, 3001 Princeton Ave.
- Solomon Solis-Cohen, 7001 Horrocks St.
- Allen M. Stearne, 1655 Unity St.
- James J. Sullivan, 5300 Ditman St.
Farley reiterated methods to stay healthy such as social distancing (remaining at least 6 feet away) from other people, washing your hands and avoiding touching your face.
More than 50,000 have signed up for text alerts by texting COVIDPHL TO 888777. Kenney urged residents who haven’t to do so to receive frequent updates.
