Philadelphia continued to move through the state’s green tier last Friday, though a couple of restrictions will remain in place through at least the beginning of August as the area continues to battle the coronavirus.
Among the activities that are permitted, as of last Friday, are small indoor and outdoor performances, events and gatherings up to 50 people, along with group recreational and sports activities. Opening up were schools, museums, libraries, indoor shopping malls and casinos. In casinos, masks are required, there must be 6 feet of distance between gamblers and eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited.
Indoor dining will be prohibited until at least Aug. 1. Gyms will remain closed at least through that date.
Mask wearing remains required in all businesses, and the state last week issued an order requiring masks while out in public.
The city, at press time, reported 26,901 confirmed coronavirus cases.
An interactive map of cases broken down by ZIP code can be found at phila.gov.
There have been a total of 1,617 deaths in the city. Eight-hundred and thirty-two of those deaths have been in nursing homes.
Anyone who wants to find a testing site can go to https://www.phila.gov/covid-testing-sites/#/.
Statewide, there are 91,299 cases in all 67 counties, with 6,787 confirmed deaths, including 4,626 in nursing homes or personal care facilities.
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 and we are seeing cases rise, especially in Southwest Pennsylvania.”
The city Department of Streets has returned to regular weekly trash and recycling collections. Lids for city-issued recycling bins can be picked up from the Sanitation Convenience Center, State Road and Ashburner Street. Trash can also be disposed of at the center, open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Philadelphia Water Department agreed to postpone all water shutoffs for residential and commercial customers who are unable to pay their bills through Aug. 31. Customers who cannot pay their bill should apply for help at 215-685-6300 or www.phila.gov/waterbillhelp.
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. ••
