Video of the City of Philadelphia COVID-19 Press Briefing for April 17, 2020 with remarks by Mayor Jim Kenney and Public Health Director, Dr. Tom Farley. The Press briefing is in English and Spanish.
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 518 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 8,563.
The Department of Public Health again noted clusters of positive cases in congregate settings, including nursing homes, behavioral health facilities, and the Department of Prisons. Thirteen additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 63.
The Department of Public Health confirmed 34 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 298. Of the 298 total deaths, 149 (50%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 852 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,633 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).
Labor Agreement: Mayor Kenney today announced that the City has reached a tentative agreement on a one-year contract extension with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 22. This comes in addition to similar extensions with FOP Lodge 5 and District Council 47. Negotiations with District Council 33 are continuing. The current contracts with all four municipal worker unions expire at the end of June.
“The men and women of the Philadelphia Fire Department have been on the frontlines of our response to COVID-19,” said Mayor Kenney. “I am glad that we’ve been able to give them this peace of mind at a very trying time. This extension will allow all of us to get through this unprecedented public health crisis, and next year we’ll have a better sense of what will work for a longer-term deal.”
U.S. Treasury Coronavirus Relief Fund: Mayor Kenney today announced that the City of Philadelphia has submitted its application to the U.S. Treasury for a grant from the State and Local Government Stabilization Fund, part of the federal CARES Act. The Stabilization Fund provides direct funding to states and cities to support these governments with expenditures related to COVID recovery.
The amount each municipality gets is calculated by a formula based on population. Based on that formula, the City anticipates receiving funds to cover upwards of $276 million in COVID-related expenses, with the first of two installments expected this month.
“These funds will help Philadelphia cover some of what have already become tremendous expenses as we rush to halt the spread of this virus in the city,” said the Mayor. “But as thankful as we are to be eligible for this assistance, we need more action from Congress and the White House to help us. Philadelphia and other cities are staring at a tremendously dire economic outlook. With tax revenues dropping, we are facing the potential of drastic cuts in City services – and we hope new federal aid could help us avoid some of those cuts. We urge both the White House and Congress to move with haste in approving further aid.”
PHL COVID-19 Fund Update: The PHL COVID-19 Fund has secured $13.8 million in gifts and pledges to date. The Pfizer Foundation contributed $250,000 towards the effort this week. Yesterday the PHL COVID-19 Fund announced its second round of grants, awarding more than $2.5 million to 79 non-profit organizations serving on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis. Over $4.8 million has been distributed to 123 nonprofit organizations that are providing vital services to individuals facing the wide-ranging and urgent consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.
“Philadelphians and our neighbors across the region continue to come together to support each other during these difficult times,” said Mayor Kenney. “Thank you to the 3,300 people who have already chipped in and donated what they can towards this effort. These generous contributions from individuals, families, and organizations truly demonstrate the spirit and capacity of the entire Philadelphia region.”
Philly 311 Hours: Philly311’s contact center remains open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and will also be open extended hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m the following two weekends on April 18 and 19 and April 25 and 26. Residents can place a service request by calling 3-1-1 or dialing (215) 686-8686 or through submitting service requests online. Language translation services are available.
Testing Sites: The City-run location in Center City continues to serve those who are over the age of 50 and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as health care workers who are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus. The site is available by appointment only and a referral is required. Those who meet the criteria and want a test can call (267) 491-5870 to obtain a referral.
There are also more than 20 private testing sites across the city run by hospital systems and other organizations.
COVID-19 Resources:
- City’s COVID-19 homepage: gov/covid-19.
- COVID-19 resources translated into multiple languages.
- Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline: 1 (800) 722-7112.
- Residents can text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to get updates sent to their phones.
- Find out more about testing for COVID-19.
- Updates and guidance for Philadelphia employees and employers.
- Information and resources for workers.
- The PHL COVID-19 Fund continues to solicit donations to aid nonprofits that are on the frontline of the pandemic.
- For Businesses:
- Financial support and additional resources for businesses can be found here.
- Business owners or managers who have questions about the restrictions in the City’s latest Business Activity and Stay at Home Order can email vbeoc@phila.gov.
- L&I guidance on construction work following City Business Activity and Stay at Home Order.
- The City is extending filing and payment dates for Real Estate and some business taxes.
WPPM News 