As Philadelphia navigates the Yellow Phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan and prepares to enter the Green Phase soon, a sobering reminder of the dangers of coronavirus was evident on Monday.
The city has surpassed the 25,000 mark.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced 275 additional cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Philadelphia to 25,116. The newly announced tally represents cases reported over the weekend as well.
“Some may think that the pandemic is no longer a big deal,” said Mayor Jim Kenney in a statement. “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,” Kenney added.
Health officials also announced four additional fatalities. The total number of city residents who have succumbed to the virus is now 1,526. Of those, 781 were long-term care facility residents.
Last week, the city released specific plans for moving into the Green Phase of reopening, which will allow gyms and indoor exercise classes to resume, as well as schools, libraries, indoor shopping malls and indoor seating at restaurants to open with safety restrictions. “Reopening with Care” outlines the city’s strategy for moving into the Green Phase, which is slated to begin on Friday, July 3.
Philadelphians can also participate in some limited activities before then. The following are expected to reopen this Friday, June 26—swimming pools, zoos (outdoors only), salons, barbers and spas. Also, small indoor social and religious gatherings of 25 people or less will be permitted.
“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,” said Kenney. “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.”
For more information on the Green Phase of reopening, visit phila.gov/COVID-19.
For information on how to get tested for COVID-19 in Philadelphia and a list of locations offering free testing, visit phila.gov/testing
