Shining a light on healthcare heroes

Brighter days are ahead.

And in the meantime, Philly is shining extra bright at night.

Thanks to the collaboration of the City of Philadelphia, the Building Owners and Managers Association of Philadelphia, the Parkway Council and the Center City District, iconic buildings and landmarks throughout the City of Brotherly Love are shining blue to honor healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is an important way for our industry and our great city to send a heartfelt and collective ‘thank you’ to the entire health care community — locally, regionally and nationally — as they work tirelessly to fight this pandemic and keep us safe,” Kristine A. Kiphorn, BOMA Executive Director, said in a statement.

The effort began on Tuesday, April 7, in honor of World Health Day and will continue on Tuesdays throughout the month. Participating locations include The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Boathouse Row, Love Park, University of the Arts, One Liberty Place, Lincoln Financial Field and many others.

As of Monday afternoon, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced 427 additional presumptive confirmed coronavirus cases, bringing the city’s total to 6,813. The City of Philadelphia has reported that 711 patients with COVID-19 are being treated at city hospitals.

“The selfless health care workers who are on the front lines of this public health crisis are true heroes,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement. “The act of lighting our city up in blue is a small but highly visible way to express our support and appreciation during this trying time. We want Philadelphia’s health care workers to know we are thinking of them and are eternally grateful for the sacrifices they are making each day.”

To view drone footage of the Philly Shines Blue initiative, visit centercityphila.org.