Dr. Leslie McClure and Dr. Michael LeVasseur talk about Social Distancing during the Pandemic

WPPM Hosts Vanessa Maria Graber and Larry McGlynn interview Dr. Leslie McClure and Dr. Michael LeVasseur about social distancing in Philadelphia during the Covid-19 pandemic. The doctors are both faculty in the Department of Epidemiology and BioStatistics at the Drexel University School of Medicine.

Learn about your Legal Rights during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Join Community Health Training Alliance for a conversation with attorney Zane Johnson, Managing Attorney of M. Zane {+} Associates, about your legal rights during the pandemic. We will touch on topics such as individual stimulus checks, unemployment compensation benefits, court, and judicial services, internet privacy, leases and mortgages, sick leave, and more.

Mary F. Chicorelli, founder and Executive Director of Equal Access Legal Services will also join us to discuss the impact the COVID-19 crisis has on undocumented workers and refugees.

For more information or to register: https://fight.org/event/know-your-options-understanding-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-your-legal-rights/

Kenney Sends Letter to Congress Outlining Relief Requests

In a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Apr. 10, 2020, Mayor Jim Kenney asked Congress to take swift and decisive action on the fourth phase of the federal COVID-19 response.

“One-quarter of Philadelphia residents have income below the federal poverty line – the highest rate of any major city in the nation,” The letter said. “As a result, Philadelphia will face unique challenges recovering from COVID-19, and it is clear that the impact of this pandemic will fall more heavily on vulnerable populations.”

The letter asks for “direct and flexible” funding to local governments due to a sharp reduction in local revenue streams, such as shrinking tax bases. To respond to the challenges, Kenney calls for the expansion of existing programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and more funding for personal protective equipment and supplies, among other recommendations.

“We believe that the two most effective forms of relief that can be offered to local governments are providing direct, flexible funding and replacing lost revenue resulting from this crisis,” the letter said. “Without these interventions, local governments will be forced to make drastic cuts, which will deprive residents of needed services, exacerbate the damage being done to local economies and lessen the possibility of a speedy economic recovery.”

The letter calls on Congress to support renters and homeowners by providing rental assistance to low-income renters and those with disabilities, as well as up to 12 months of mortgage payment forbearance, in addition to maintaining and expanding low-income housing.

Homelessness is another critical concern, as the city is working to stop the spread of the virus among the nearly 17,000 people who are served by the city’s homeless services system. Kenney asked for more homeless emergency assistance, not only to help the current homeless population, but those who may become homeless as the economic fallout of the crisis becomes more acute.

The letter also calls for an expansion and a streamlining of the CARES Act recovery rebate program and the extension of unemployment benefits through the end of the economic downturn. Currently, unemployment insurance has been extended by 13 weeks, with benefits expanded to four months.

Education is another critical concern, with the administration asking for additional funds to increase the use of technology, teacher training, and converting traditional class instruction into online modalities, as well as other support for job training and retraining for those impacted in the workforce.

The previous three phases of COVID-19 relief were passed in March and included funding for disease treatment and prevention, benefits to individuals and businesses, and direct payments to individuals and businesses. In all, the federal response to the pandemic has cost over $2 trillion.

 

 

Ciudad ofrece actualización sobre el COVID-19 – 14 de abril 2020

Ciudad ofrece actualización sobre el COVID-19 para el martes 14 de abril de 2020

FILADELFIA – El Departamento de Salud Pública de Filadelfia anunció hoy 317 casos de COVID-19. Eso eleva el número de casos confirmados a 7,130. El Comisionado de Salud, Dr. Thomas Farley, advirtió que no todos los laboratorios informaron los totales hoy, por lo que el recuento diario puede ser falsamente bajo.

El Departamento de Salud Pública volvió a observar un repunte de casos positivos en entornos congregados, como hogares de ancianos, centros de salud conductual y ocupacional, y el Departamento de Prisiones. Un recluso adicional ha dado positivo al virus, llevando el total a 54 reclusos enfermos de coronavirus. 

Asimismo, se confirmaron 16 muertes adicionales en Filadelfia. 206 personas han perdido la vida en la ciudad a consecuencia de este virus. Ciento tres (50%) se han producido en hogares de ancianos. Ciento treinta y seis (o el 66%) de las muertes fueron en personas mayores de 70 años.

El Departamento de Salud Pública informó que 757 pacientes con COVID-19 están siendo tratados actualmente en hospitales de Filadelfia, con un total de 1,361 personas hospitalizadas en la región (incluido el condado de Filadelfia).

La Ciudad anunció hoy la primera víctima fatal entre los reclusos del Departamento de Prisiones de Filadelfia (PDP). Esta muerte no fue contada en el recuento anterior porque fue notificada al Departamento de Salud después de que se cerró el recuento del día. Se reflejará en el recuento de mañana. En aras de la transparencia, la Ciudad informa sobre este fallecimiento el día de hoy. 

La persona que falleció fue una mujer de unos 40 años con condiciones médicas preexistentes. Había sido llevada a un hospital el 8 de abril y falleció esta mañana. “Quiero ofrecer mis condolencias a su familia y amigos”, dijo el alcalde. “Las personas encarceladas son seres humanos. Ellos son familiares y amigos de alguien. Y debemos reconocer dignamente su vida y su fallecimiento.”

La Ciudad no revelará el nombre de la persona fallecida por respeto a su familia.

El alcalde señaló que el Departamento de Prisiones ha instituido procedimientos y protocolos para mitigar la propagación del virus en las cárceles, trabajando en conjunto con el Departamento de Salud Pública de Filadelfia. Puede encontrar más información sobre los esfuerzos COVID-19 de PDP aquí.

El Dr. Farley también agregó que hay recursos disponibles para los habitantes de Filadelfia que fuman cigarrillos, pero que están interesados en dejar de fumar. Esto puede ayudar a prevenir complicaciones graves de una infección por COVID-19. Los recursos están disponibles para dejar de fumar en smokefreephilly.org o 1-800-QUIT NOW.

Financiamiento Adicional y Fecha de Cierre para el Fondo de Ayuda COVID-19  para Pequeñas Empresas de Filadelfia: La Ciudad y PIDC anunciaron que la fecha límite para que las microempresas presenten solicitudes de financiamiento al Fondo de Ayuda COVID-19 para Pequeñas Empresas de Filadelfia es el miércoles 15 de abril antes de la medianoche. El fondo, anunciado el 23 de marzo con un capital inicial de $9.25 millones de dólares, ha recibido más de 6,000 solicitudes de empresas que buscan más de $82 millones de dólares en ayuda. Aquí puede encontrar información sobre otros recursos locales y nacionales para empresas. 

Centros de Prueba: El centro de pruebas ubicado en el centro de Filadelfia está funcionando y realizando pruebas  solo para aquellos que tienen más de 50 años y muestran síntomas consistentes con el coronavirus, así como para los trabajadores de la salud que tienen síntomas. El sitio está disponible solo con cita previa y se requiere una referencia del médico de cabecera. Aquellos que cumplan con los criterios y necesiten una prueba, pueden llamar al (267) 491-5870 para obtener una cita. 

También hay más de 20 centros de pruebas privados en toda la ciudad administrados por hospitales  y otras organizaciones. 

COVID-19 | Recursos de Ayuda

City Provides Update on COVID-19 for April 14, 2020

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 317 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 7,130. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley cautions that not all laboratories reported totals today, so the daily count may be falsely low.

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. One additional inmate has tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 54.

The Department of Public Health confirmed 16 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 206. Of the 206 total deaths, 136 (66%) were of people over age 70, and 103 (50%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 757 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,361 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

The City today announced the first fatality among inmates in the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP). This death is not counted in the count of deaths above because the Health Department was notified after the day’s count was closed for review. It will be reflected in tomorrow’s count. The City is reporting it now, separate from the total, in the interest of transparency.

The individual who succumbed was a woman in her 40s with underlying medical conditions. She had been transported to a hospital on April 8 and succumbed this morning. “I want to offer my condolences to her family and friends,” said the Mayor. “Incarcerated people are human beings. They are someone’s family member and friend. And we owe them the dignity of acknowledging their life and their passing.”

The City is not releasing the name of the inmate out of respect for the family’s privacy.

The Mayor noted that the Department of Prisons has instituted procedures and protocols to mitigate the spread of the virus in the jails, working in concert with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. More information on PDP’s COVID-19 efforts can be found here.

Dr. Farley also added that resources are available for Philadelphians who smoke cigarettes, but are interested in quitting. Quitting now can help prevent serious complications from a COVID-19 infection. Resources are available to quit smoking at smokefreephilly.org or 1-800-QUIT NOW.

Deadline for the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund: The deadline for microenterprises to submit applications for funding from the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund is before midnight on Wednesday, April 15. The Relief Fund, which launched on March 23 and has $12.1 million to disburse to local businesses, has received over 6,000 applications seeking more than $82 million in aid. Information regarding other local and national resources for businesses can be found here.

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 Provides Covid-19 Updates for 4/13/20

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 427 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 6,813. While the daily count has remained low over the past few days, some labs do not report results over the weekend, and the City has not yet received all backlogged results.

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. Three additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 66.

The Department of Public Health confirmed 14 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 190. Of the 190 total deaths, 125 (66%) were of people over age 70, and 93 (49%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 711 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,289 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

Mayor Kenney sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to make the case for Philadelphia. As Congress considers a fourth COVID-19 response package, Mayor Kenney asked that the federal government provide direct and flexible funding and resources to local governments to help Philadelphia manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read the letter to get more details about Mayor Kenney’s requests for support.

“Cities and states cannot effectively address and recover from this pandemic without a robust federal partnership and response,” said Mayor Kenney in the letter. “While I am appreciative of all that has been done so far, much more is needed to ensure that Philadelphians can safely survive the crisis and thrive beyond it.”

The City’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC), coordinated by the Office of Emergency Management, will expand its operations to 24/7 starting tonight. The EOC is increasing capacity starting tonight for two main reasons. The first is to manage operations of the City’s response-related sites. The second is to manage operations of the Liacouras Center as it moves closer to being operational and taking on patients, if necessary.

Meal Distributions Postponed: The City-supported food sites and the School District’s 49 student meal distribution sites were closed today, Monday, April 13, due to expected thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain. Meals and food boxes will be available instead tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14.

The regular Monday and Thursday distribution schedules will resume on Thursday, April 16. Locations of the City’s food sites and the School District’s student meal distribution sites can be found here.

Deadline for the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund: The deadline for microenterprises to submit applications for funding from the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund is before midnight on Wednesday, April 15. The Relief Fund, which launched on March 23 and has $12.1 million to disburse to local businesses, has received over 6,000 applications seeking more than $82 million in aid. Information regarding other local and national resources for businesses can be found here.

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. Remaining testing kits from the Citizens Bank Park testing site, now closed, are being redistributed to other sites to expand their capacity, and any personal protective equipment (PPE) will be used to support hospitals and long-term care facilities.

COVID-19 Resources:

Mayor Kenney’s Open Letter to Philadelphians

The greatest single contribution you can make is simply to do the basics: stay at home, wear a face covering if you must go outside, and wash your hands frequently.

Fellow Philadelphians:

Every year since 2016 I’ve been thrilled to take part in Philly Free Streets as thousands of residents from every neighborhood came out to walk, bike, roll, and play after we closed some streets to cars. Each time I was awestruck. Their unbridled joy, their enthusiasm, and their love for our city were abundant on the streets of Philadelphia. It made me very proud.

Today, the streets are quiet. Most residents are heeding our order to stay at home. Businesses are shuttered. Playgrounds, schools, and houses of worship are empty. We are waiting, hoping, praying, and mourning those who were lost.

But I write to tell you that even amid our silent streets, the spirit of this great city has not, in any way, been diminished by this virus.

I see this spirit in the growing number of folks at home sewing and donating face coverings, and manufacturers who have shifted production to personal protective equipment. It’s seen in the countless people opting to order food and supplies from our restaurants and local small businesses. That spirit is in our philanthropic community who mobilized in record time and raised tens of millions of dollars for struggling nonprofits. It’s in the School District and Community College of Philadelphia, doing everything possible to bring remote learning to all students. And it’s also in the scores of volunteers packing thousands of meals every week to ensure Philadelphians don’t go hungry.  

If you’re looking for ways to help, here are some ideas: 

  • Call neighbors, particularly seniors and those who live alone. Help them get the essential supplies they need. 
  • Stay in touch with others by phone, video conferencing, or email—and reconnect with those who you may have lost touch with.
  • Remind others of social distancing guidance, including teens who may still feel inclined to hang out with friends. 
  • Order take-out or delivery from a locally-owned eatery.
  • Donate to the PHL COVID-19 Fund to help our nonprofit organizations on the front line of this pandemic. 
  • Offer a wave of thanks when you see essential employees, especially our healthcare workers and first responders who quite literally put their own health on the line for all of us.

But the greatest single contribution you can make is simply to do the basics: stay at home, wear a face covering if you must go outside, and wash your hands frequently. To those of you doing these things, please know that you are already part of the solution. You are already helping our healthcare workers save lives.

We have weeks if not months to go before the crisis eases. Before we reclaim our lives.

Take comfort knowing that when we’re through this, we will once again enjoy all that Philly has to offer—whether it be a crowded festival on South Street, a sunny picnic on Belmont Plateau, a stroll in the Italian Market, or a block party on North Fifth Street in Fairhill. We’ll see joggers and bicyclists moving in groups, food vendors and merchants busy with customers, musicians playing to applause, and neighbors sharing stories on their steps.  

When we get all of that back, we will stop and remember the sacrifice, the loss, the pain of this time. We will realize that the silence which now pervades the streets of Philadelphia was not, by any means, a sign of defeat. Rather, it was the abundant evidence of our resilience.

When that day comes, we will watch our children head off to school, play on the sidewalks, and even share snacks and hugs. And we’ll know that when it mattered most we stepped up, we cared for one another, we did what was right, and we endured. 

Because we are Philadelphia.

With gratitude,
Jim Kenney