Coronavirus cases continue to rise in Philadelphia

As coronavirus cases surge around the country, Philadelphia’s top health official is urging residents to continue to be vigilant with safety measures. 

“Philadelphia residents should be consistent in wearing masks when around others, safely distancing from each other, and washing hands frequently,” said Dr. Thomas Farley in a statement on Monday. “Daily COVID case counts in Philadelphia are no longer falling. That, combined with the rise of cases throughout the country, is troubling.”

The Philadelphia Department of Health announced 298 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus on Monday—a tally that includes total cases from the last three days, including weekend reports. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia is now 25,991. The city reported no additional fatalities from the virus. 

In Pennsylvania, case numbers have increased to 85,988 as of Monday afternoon. Many states have reported an uptick on case counts, a concerning trend as businesses reopen in hopes to boost the struggling economy. According to a Reuters tally, 22 states have reported a record increase of coronavirus cases in June and last week, 15 states reported new records. 

Pennsylvania currently has the eighth highest case count in the nation. Many counties have already entered Gov. Tom Wolf’s Green Phase of reopening, which allows restaurants and bars with indoor seating to reopen at half capacity, as well as hair salons and health and wellness facilities to reopen with strict safety measures in place. 

Philadelphia is expected to go green this Friday, July 3, but according to Farley, those plans are tentative and could be modified or postponed if coronavirus cases continue to rise. 

“To protect Philadelphia’s residents from a resurgence of the coronavirus, we will be cautious about any further re-starting of activities,” said Farley. 

City officials are expected to give an update on the city’s reopening plans on Tuesday.