The city, at press time, reported 25,116 confirmed coronavirus cases.
An interactive map of cases broken down by ZIP code can be found at phila.gov.
“Some may think that the pandemic is no longer a big deal,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “But passing this 25,000 mark is a sobering reminder that COVID-19 remains a serious threat. To put it in context, that’s more people than can sit in the Wells Fargo Center; and our health commissioner, Dr. Thomas Farley, believes the number is probably higher than that because some people never got tested.
“It is clear that if we, as a city, hadn’t taken the steps that we did — when we did — thousands more would have gotten sick. As we’re seeing in other states, the pandemic is not gone. With your help, we won’t see a second wave like they’re seeing, and we can stop counting cases in the thousands. So as we approach the Green Phase, Philadelphia residents must consistently adhere to safety precautions — wear a mask, keep your distance from others and wash your hands.”
There have been a total of 1,526 deaths in the city. Seven-hundred and eighty-one of those deaths have been in nursing homes.
Statewide, there are 82,186 cases in all 67 counties, with 6,426 confirmed deaths, including 4,389 in nursing homes or personal care facilities.
Gov. Tom Wolf has adopted red, yellow and green tiers when considering whether to open up activities halted by the pandemic.
Philadelphia went into the yellow tier on June 5. Mask wearing is required in all businesses in yellow and green phases of reopening.
“As we move closer to having the entire state in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”
While the governor authorized Philadelphia to move to “Green” effective June 26, based on local targets for progress, city officials will not allow Green Phase activities to begin until at least July 3. A limited number of activities will be able to resume on June 26, while the city is still in the Yellow Phase, including residential swimming pools and private swim clubs; zoos (outside only); personal services such as salons, barbers and spas; and small indoor social and religious gatherings (up to 25 people).
The following activities are newly allowed in the Green Phase beginning July 3 in Philadelphia if targets are met:
• Outdoor group recreational and sports activities for youth and adults
• Gyms and indoor exercise classes
• Schools and colleges
• Libraries and museums
• Indoor shopping malls
• Outdoor performances and small outdoor events (up to 50 people)
• Restaurants with indoor seating (with occupancy restrictions)
The Philadelphia Water Department agreed to postpone all water shutoffs for residential and commercial customers who are unable to pay their bills through July 10. Customers who cannot pay their bill should apply for help at 215-685-6300 or www.phila.gov/waterbillhelp.
PECO Energy will continue its coronavirus support policies, which include suspending service disconnections, waiving new late fees and reconnecting customers who were previously disconnected, through at least July 1. Call 800-494-4000 if you are having trouble paying your PECO bill.
Philadelphians looking for the latest local information on the coronavirus can visit phila.gov/COVID-19.
Residents with questions can call a 24-hour helpline at 800-722-7112.
Or, text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone. ••
