CRIMEBUSTER
PHILADELPHIA » The Philadelphia Department of Public Health Saturday announced 578 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus and an additional nine deaths in the city. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 3,008.
The Health Department confirmed nine additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 35.
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. Eight additional inmates have tested positive, bringing the total to 39.
Sixteen of the 35 deaths are in long-term care facility residents.
Twenty-seven (77%) of the 35 deaths were in people over age 70.
The Department of Public Health reported 409 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 705 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).
“While confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Philadelphia, at this time there are still plenty of hospital beds available for patients who need them,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.
The city also announced a street closure connected to the pandemic. Starting Monday, April 6 at 5 a.m., the 1300 block of Walnut Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between 13th and Juniper streets until further notice as part of the citywide response
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Park
ing also will be restricted on the 1300 block of Walnut Street. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the south side of Walnut will remain open. SEPTA has rerouted five bus routes that operate on Walnut. Riders can check www.septa.org for details.
The Department of Public Health has opened a second testing site in addition to the drive-through site in the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park. The new site is open only for 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.
The Health Department has expanded the definition of health care workers who are eligible to be tested for COVID-19 coronavirus at City-run testing sites. “Health care worker” now refers to the following: clinicians; EMS providers; nursing home workers; home care workers; non-clinical staff who have direct patient contact; behavioral health workers; and persons who work in congregate settings, including homeless shelters and prisons.