Mayor Kenney plans to transition Philadelphia into Governor Tom Wolf’s second phase, known as the yellow phase, on Monday, June 8 as part of the three-step reopening plan. He announced the plans at today’s press briefing.
There are an additional 175 confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 22,150. 484 patients are currently being treated in hospitals. However, the Department of Public Health said they are observing continued progress in nursing homes and the Department of Prisons.
Dr. Farley notes that the city will only go forward with entering into the yellow phase if the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to decrease.
Mayor Kenney urges restaurant owners to hold off on launching outdoor dining options until the City has developed proper protocols for restaurants to follow.
“We need to ensure that outdoor dining protocols are equitable–that they work as well in Juanita and East Oak Lane as they do in Center City,” Mayor Kenney said.
The City hopes to announce outdoor dining rules next week but wants to ensure that no restaurant is announcing plans to open outdoor dining on June 5.
In today’s press briefing they also discussed last week’s “PHL Love” benefit concert. “PHL Love” raised over $1.5 million for nonprofits to support the PHL COVID-19 Fund.
“These grants are allowing the nonprofits to continue providing community safety nets as well as preparedness and protection services,” the Mayor said.
The Fund plans to announce the sixth round of grants, providing nearly $2.5 million in a new round to 85 organizations. This brings the total distributed to $15 million in two months.
Beginning Friday, May 29, Philabundance will hold a drive-through emergency food distribution site at Citizens Bank Park on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food will only be distributed to individuals in cars to adhere to social distancing, and each vehicle will receive about 35 pounds of food.
On June 1, Philadelphia COVID-19 briefings will only be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for members of the media.
Dr. Farley encourages anyone who has been exposed or is experiencing symptoms to get tested for COVID-19.
A new testing site finder has been launched to help people find a free testing center in Philadelphia.
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