Mayor's Press Conference 3/9/21 - COVID-19 Update

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 330 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 115,997. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 97 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.

The Department of Public Health confirmed 12 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,169. Of the 3,169 total deaths, 1,162 (37%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 217 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 34 on ventilators.

Community Vaccination Sites: Mayor Kenney and Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley today announced five new City-run mass vaccination sites throughout Philadelphia. “These new sites are one more aspect of our concerted effort to get the vaccine in neighborhoods and communities with the greatest need,” said the Mayor Kenney. “We are confident that in doing so, we can improve the equity of our vaccine distribution efforts and get Philadelphia one step closer to defeating this virus.”

Details on the new and existing City-run locations are as follows:

Locations opening the week of March 15, 2021

Edward O’Malley (EOM) Athletic Association, 144 Moore St.
Grand Yesha Ballroom, 2308 Snyder Ave.
Mastery Charter Simon Gratz High School, 1798 W. Hunting Park Ave.
Locations opening the week of March 22, 2021

Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein German American Club, 9130 Academy Rd.
City Facility, 7800 Ogontz Ave.
Locations currently open

Community Academy Charter School, 1100 E. Erie Ave.
Center City Vaccination Center at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 100 N. 12th St.
MLK Older Adult Center, 2101 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
University of the Sciences, Bobby Morgan Arena, 835 S. 43rd St.
A tenth site, to be located in West Philadelphia near the Market Street corridor, will be announced shortly and is on track to be operational by the week of March 22.

“It’s encouraging to hear that the City is expanding the number of community-based vaccine distribution sites located in neighborhoods across Philadelphia,” said Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District). “Eight neighborhood locations, with today’s announcements, is significant, since not everyone can come downtown to the FEMA site or other sites. The more we can bring the vaccine to people in neighborhoods where they live, the more people we can get vaccinated.”

Philly Counts Vaccine Champion Training Program: Philly Counts today announced details of a new COVID-19 Vaccine Champion training program. The program follows a structure similar to the Census Champion and COVID-19 Community Response Captain programs. In partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philly Counts will utilize its existing network of staff and volunteers to provide COVID-19 outreach, education, organizing, and canvassing efforts to ensure Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents are able to learn about and get the COVID-19 vaccine.