CNBNews

PHILADELPHIA  (April 26, 2020)– The Philadelphia Department of Public Health  announced 237 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 12,566.

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. Six additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 75.

The Department of Public Health confirmed six additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 472. Of the 472 total deaths, 252 (53%) were long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 965 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,812 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).

Additional Funding for Payroll Protection Program: On Friday, President Trump signed the latest coronavirus relief legislation—providing $484 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), hospitals, and testing. The Small Business Administration will resume accepting PPP loan applications on Monday, April 27 from approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower. The City recently announced a partnership with Goldman Sachs and Lendistry.com to provide $10 million in potentially forgivable SBA Paycheck Protection Program loans to help Philadelphia area small businesses. Businesses can apply here.

Armed Forces Flyover: The U.S. Air Force and Navy announced in a press release that they will perform a joint flyover of New York City, Newark, Trenton, and Philadelphia on Tuesday, April 28. Both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds demonstration squadrons will honor frontline COVID-19 essential workers and responders with formation flights. The Navy and Air Force emphasize residents will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their home and should maintain all social distancing guidelines. People should refrain from traveling to landmarks, hospitals, and gathering in large groups to view the flyover. The City expects that the Blue Angels will release their specific route tomorrow, Monday, April 27.

Free pregnancy, baby, and toddler support during COVID-19: The City of Philadelphia has developed a list of resources and free supplies available for those who are pregnant or caring for an infant or toddler  during the COVID-19 crisis. Resources are available for:

• Free, 24/7 breastfeeding support
• Crib delivery
• Free diapers and food
• Phone and online connections to local experts

For a list of where to go and who to contact go visit this page.

Food and Meal Sites for this coming week:

• The 49 Philadelphia School District student meal sites have moved to a Thursday only distribution day and will not be open on Monday, April 27.
• Charter school sites and Philadelphia Housing Authority student meal sites are open and operating their usual Monday schedule.
• The 40 City supported food sites are open tomorrow from 10 a.m to 12 noon. Tomorrow’s boxes contain non-perishable food.
• Senior meal sites providing grab and go meals are operating as normal.
• Food for people with disabilities is available through Liberty Resources. To join this program, call or text 215-709-9619, email food@libertyresources.org, or fill out this online form. A program representative will call back to discuss the food delivery plan.
• Call 311 for food pantry information.
• For maps of food and student meal sites, visit this page.

Testing Sites: A list of available testing sites is provided on the City’s website. Click on “Where Can Someone Get Tested?” The list includes private testing sites being run by hospital systems and other organizations across the city, as well as public testing sites.If individuals are not able to get tested through their medical provider or do not have a medical provider, they can be tested at a public testing site.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, along with the Health Federation of Philadelphia, is working with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Philadelphia to expand testing capabilities in underserved communities. Recommended criteria for testing eligibility at the sites are:

• Age 50+ and symptomatic.
• People under 50 who are at high risk for severe illness due to chronic conditions and are symptomatic.
• Health care workers (defined broadly) who are symptomatic or are asymptomatic with close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

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.

COVID-19 Resources:

• City’s COVID-19 homepage: phila.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.