Philadelphia health officials are urging residents, including those fully vaccinated, to go back to wearing masks in public indoor spaces as the number of new coronavirus cases in the city is growing again due to the highly contagious Delta variant. The new guidance aims to protect children under 12 years old who are not yet eligible for COVID vaccines, according to acting Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole.

There has been a “small but disturbing” increase in coronavirus  cases and hospitalizations among children in Philadelphia, according to Bettigole. The number of new COVID-19 cases overall has doubled in the city over the past couple of weeks. Continue Reading

Beginning today, fully vaccinated Philadelphians are no longer required to wear masks or facial coverings indoors, except in the following settings:

• Health care institutions, including vaccine clinics and blood drives

• Public transportation

• Congregate facilities, such as prisons and shelters

• Indoor schools and camps

Some private companies and stores may also still ask their customers and workers to wear a mask.

More than two-thirds of adults in Philadelphia have been vaccinated, and the number of new COVID-19 cases has been steadily dropping every week. Unvaccinated residents are still strongly recommended to continue to wear masks in public places and are urged to get vaccinated.

Philadelphia officials have announced that they will be lifting the remaining COVID restrictions, except for the indoor mask mandate and the 11 p.m. last call for dining, on Wednesday, June 2. The previously announced date for dropping these restrictions was June 11, however, due to the lowest numbers of new COVID cases in the city since September, the officials’ plan has changed.

The restrictions that are being lifted on Wednesday include density and maximum capacity limits, and social distancing rules.

City officials may lift the indoor mask mandate on June 11 if the number of new COVID cases remains low. Just a reminder that the outdoor mask mandate was lifted on May 21.

Starting this Friday (May 21), fully vaccinated Philadelphia residents will no longer be required to wear masks outside, including in crowded places, according to an announcement by the City’s acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. Those who are not fully vaccinated are still advised to wear masks in crowded places, like outdoor restaurants and sporting events.

The indoor mask mandate will remain in place until at least June 11, when the city is expected to lift all capacity-related COVID restrictions. Health officials will review COVID numbers in the city and decide whether indoor masks for vaccinated people can be eliminated on the week of June 6.

Just a reminder that some COVID restrictions in Philadelphia will be eased this Friday (read more here).

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is teaming up with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Black Doctors COVID Consortium to offer school students (ages 16 and older) a two-dose Pfizer vaccine beginning this Friday, May 14 at four locations throughout Philadelphia. West Philadelphia students have an opportunity to receive the first dose of the vaccine at the University of the Sciences (USciences) on Tuesday, May 18.

Registration is required and students can register themselves. They also do not need to be accompanied by an adult for their vaccine appointment. Continue Reading

CVS has joined other pharmacies in Philadelphia to provide COVID vaccinations to residents. Many CVS locations in the city, including a few stores in West Philly, have vaccine appointments available. To schedule an appointment, go here. You can also try to walk in. The following West Philly locations have COVID vaccines: 4849 Market St., 3925 Walnut St., 3401 Walnut St.

In other Philadelphia COVID vaccine news, the FEMA-run vaccination clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center has about 4,000 Pfizer vaccine doses that are set to expire this Thursday. Philadelphia residents age 16 and older or those who work in the city are welcome to stop by today or tomorrow by 4 p.m. to get their first dose of the vaccine. No appointment is required. Continue Reading