Pennsylvania residents entering a grocery store or any business in the state will have to wear a mask or a facial covering, according to a new state order. The requirement goes into effect on Sunday at 8 p.m. and is applied to both customers and staff.

Businesses have been ordered to refuse entry to anyone not wearing a facial covering. If the business sells food, medicine or medical supplies, they must provide “alternative methods of pick-up or delivery,” according to the order.

Businesses are required to provide masks for employees or approve masks they bring themselves.  Continue Reading

Many local events, activities and programs have been canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Many West Philly businesses, organizations and venues have also announced temporary closings, restrictions or new ways of operating to help slow down the spread of the virus and following Mayor Jim Kenney’s directives.

Here’s a list of canceled or postponed events and closings/changes in operation for local businesses and organizations (check back for updates):

Closings, Changes in Operation

• The Green Tambourine is now offering online music classes for kids and adults.

• VIX Emporium is closed until further notice, but their online shop is open with free local delivery. With Mother’s Day approaching fast (May 10), VIX has been adding many more items to their online shop, now organized in categories like home wares, bath & body, jewelry, stationery & paper, and Philly-themed items. Go here to shop online. Local customers: enter promo code LOCAL to receive free next-day delivery on anything in the shop, within 1 mile.

• Greensgrow West is closed until further notice, but online orders are accepted with pickup at their Kensington (Greensgrow Farms) location. Go here for more info.

• Studio 34 is offering a variety of online (Zoom) yoga classes. Check out their weekly schedule here.

• Renata’s Kitchen is now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for cleaning and disinfecting. The new hours are: Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Breakfast/brunch and dinner are available for takeout or delivery. Go here for more info.

• Scribe Video Center is offering virtual film screenings, workshops and other programs.

• Penn Museum is closed until further notice. Check out the Museum’s virtual programs and experiences both for kids and families and for adults.

• The Free Library of Philadelphia has launched new Virtual Program Listings, where you can find information on some of your favorite library events now offered online – via Facebook, Instagram, Crowdcast, and Zoom. Programs are being offered for library lovers of all ages, from storytimes to financial workshops to cooking classes and much more. Here’s more info.

• The University City Garden Club’s 2020 Plant Sale will be pre-order/pre-paid with curbside pickup only. The pre-order period will run until April 20th. Pickup of pre-orders will be Saturday, May 2 on Woodland Terrace near the 40th Street Trolley Portal. Order online here or download the flyer here.

• A list of local restaurants/eateries that currently offer takeout/delivery can be found here.

• Crust Vegan Bakery (42nd and Chester) will be closed through at least April 30th. A no contact, pre-order/prepayment only, bake sale will be held on Saturday, April 11 in Manayunk. More info.

• Four Worlds Bakery is open for pickup (from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.) or delivery. The store accepts online orders for their morning bakes on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Go here for more info.  Continue Reading

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University City District (UCD) is offering up to $5,000 grants to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A $250,000 emergency grant program, launched by UCD on Wednesday thanks to a donation from the University of Pennsylvania, will help independent retailers and restaurants that operate in its coverage area.

The fund makes available grants ranging between $1,000 and $5,000 per qualifying business.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhood and are essential to its vivacity,” said UCD President Matt Bergheiser. “Our business owners and their employees have always been here to support this community, and we are honored to be present for them in a time of distress.”  Continue Reading

There are a few options available for small businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The city has announced a $9 million Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, which offers grants and loans to businesses seeking financial assistance. Read more about this opportunity here.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced a $100 million relief fund for small businesses across the state. The COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA) will provide loans up to $100,000 for businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees. For more information about this program, go here.  Continue Reading

All schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed until at least April 6th, according to a new order issued by Gov. Tom Wolf. This includes all schools in the School District of Philadelphia. The previous order shut down schools through March 27, but in light of the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the state (644 total cases were reported on Monday) it was expected to be extended.

In Philadelphia, a $9 million small business relief fund was announced on Monday. The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) launched the fund, which will provide grants and loans to small businesses affected by the pandemic. The fund helps businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue.  Continue Reading

Mayor Jim Kenney has issued a stay-at-home order for Philadelphians, effective at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 23, to help curb the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the city. According to this new directive, any public or private outdoor gatherings occurring outside a single household are prohibited unless they are related to essential business or essential personal activities.

All residents must stay at home unless they’re buying food or other essential items or seeking medical attention. Outdoor exercise is also permitted, with social distancing.

This latest order will remain in effect until further notice.  Continue Reading