More and more Philadelphia citizens appear to be dressed in masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the Department of Health’s latest evidence shows that the city’s mitigation efforts are working.
Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said Tuesday that Philadelphia had recorded its lowest number of cases since the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in mid-April.
In the week that ended last Saturday, August 22, Philadelphia recorded an average of 98 new instances consistent with the day, with a check positivity rate of 3. 4%. In the last week, those figures were 125 new instances consistent with the day and a positivity of checks. 4. 1% rate.
In mid-April, the city’s seven-day average was 477 instances consistent with the day.
Farley acknowledged the city’s continued progress in fulfilling Philadelphia’s mask mandate and other mitigation efforts across the state and country.
In Pennsylvania as a whole, the number of cases has decreased in the last 4 weeks.
“That’s when Governor Wolf signed his selective mitigation order, which closed bars and limited enclosed spaces and meetings,” Farley said. “I think those two are related. “
In recent months, the Philadelphia Department of Health has monitored the compliance of masks by tracking SEPTA stations and retail establishments. Establishments.
During the following week, the use of masks has increased to 88%, compared to 77% the following week and as low as 58% the week around July 4, when SEPTA’s knowledge was still included.
“Obviously it’s a trend in the right direction,” Farley said. “We’re not at 90%, but we have to be at 90%. “
As Philadelphia prepares to reopen limited indoor restaurants on September 8, Farley said the city’s progress is important, but that it should not be taken for granted.
“This improvement in the epidemic is not inevitable,” Farley said. “In fact, in Europe right now, case rates are rising. Surprisingly, Philadelphia now has lower infection rates than Spain or France. The lesson is that we will have to stick” to the protective instructions, especially the masks. If we don’t follow them, the protection guidelines, this virus can obviously come back. “
Philadelphia reported 85 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the city’s total to 33139 and no new deaths reported. The death toll is 1,736,867 citizens of nursing homes.
As the Philadelphia School District prepares to start the school year remotely, the city is now recruiting vulnerable students who can attend 32 virtual learning centers.
“These are not sites without an appointment. Pre-registration is required and site capacity is limited to meet fitness and protection guidelines,” the city said in a statement. “Priority will be given to youth of tutors who have to leave the doors of the house and who cannot provide or other childcare options.
Families who wish to enroll in the centers can receive more information about eligibility, view a site plan, and a complete online interest form. Those who wish to help complete the form can call (215) 709-5366.
The centres will be open to registered fellows on 8 September.
Families of K-12 students without broadband Internet can now contact United Way Hotline 211 for an overview of the city’s PHLConnectED program, a collaborative effort to connect low-income K-12 homes to the Internet and virtual learning devices.
“We are excited to launch the PHLConnectED hotline and prepare our students for virtual learning,” Mayor Jim Kenney said. “We know that many families want Internet access, so we look forward to starting to connect them as temporarily as possible. PHLConnectED is a step to close the virtual gap in Philadelphia ».
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