City believes an increase in cases is probable amid protests

The Philadelphia Department of Health has confirmed an additional 121 coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Philadelphia to 24,228.

Philadelphia recently entered the Yellow Phase of reopening on June 5th, which permits low-risk activities such as walk-up ordering, consumer banking, child care activities, day camps and recreation, and outdoor dining, which started today.

There have been six additional confirmed fatalities in Philadelphia, which brings the total number of fatalities in Philadelphia to 1,440. Of the 1,440 total deaths, 749 (52%) were long-term care facility residents.

Currently, 293 patients with COVID-19 are being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 556 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

The Department of Public Health also noted continued progress in both nursing homes and the Department of Prisons. Current and cumulative totals of both symptomatic and asymptomatic positive cases in Philadelphia prisons are now posted on the testing and data page of the City’s COVID-19 website.

Due to the ongoing protests in Philadelphia, the Department of Public Health believes that there may be an increased likelihood that participants may have been exposed to COVID-19. Those who were at or near a protest—even if they wore a mask—should follow these recommendations to combat the spread of the virus:

• Monitor for symptoms like new-onset fever, cough, or shortness of breath for 14 days.
• Try to stay away from other people for 14 days; if you can’t stay at home, be sure to wear a mask properly and try to stay at least six feet from others.
• Get tested for COVID-19 seven days after having been in a crowd; those seeking testing do NOT need to identify that they were at a protest but instead should say they were near someone who may have had COVID-19.

The city suggests using a testing site finder to help find a free COVID-19 test in Philadelphia. Anyone can search for a site by address, click on a map location for specific site information, and filter by day of week and by drive-thru or walk-up.