Mayor's Press Conference 3/30/21 - COVID-19 Update

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 477 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 123,489. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 236 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.

The Department of Public Health confirmed eight additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 3,259. Of the 3,259 total deaths, 1,175 (36%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 429 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 44 on ventilators.

Recommendation for Those Age 65+ to Get Vaccinated: In response to the rising number of new COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia and the region, Dr. Farley today made a strong recommendation for all Philadelphians who are 65 or older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. All three vaccines being administered in Philadelphia provide protection from hospitalization or death from COVID-19. This means that, even as the number of cases rises, we can protect those who are at the greatest risk of death and can work to keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed. Real-world data has shown that receiving even just the first dose of a two-dose vaccine can provide protection. The Health Department is asking all partner providers to prioritize those who are older than 65.

Student Meal Site Update: The School District of Philadelphia’s student meal distribution sites will be closed on Friday, April 2 due to Spring Break. School District Student meal sites will resume normal distribution on Friday, April 9, 2021.

Additional food distributions are operating this week to provide supplemental food for residents, thanks to support from the Share Food Program. The additional distributions are listed on the City’s website.

CHIRP is a $145 million statewide grant program created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to alleviate revenue losses and pay eligible operating expenses for certain businesses in the hospitality industry. Eligible businesses include restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, small hotels, and bed and breakfasts. Through the Commonwealth’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DCED), Philadelphia County is receiving over $17 million in funding to provide grants to eligible businesses through this program. More information on the deadline extension is available in this press release.

COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Forms: The City has launched two forms to help Philadelphians register their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. These forms are not for registering for an appointment, but will tell the Department of Public Health how to contact you when you are eligible and vaccine is available for you.

Members of the public are encouraged to register using the COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form. The form is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French. Individuals who do not have access to the internet can contact Philly311 (dial 3-1-1) for help completing the interest form.
Employers are encouraged to complete the Workforce COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Form. Employers that complete this form will be contacted to help set up opportunities to vaccinate their prioritized staff when they are eligible and vaccine is available.