In the aftermath of last weekend’s protests and unrest, there were reports that some residents, especially senior citizens, were unable to get their medication because some pharmacies remained closed. As stores have begun reopening, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has compiled a list of open pharmacies, including independent pharmacies, and has also provided information on free/low-cost prescription delivery options. Click here to see the list and for more information. The list also includes information on whether these pharmacies offer COVID-19 testing. If you know of any independent pharmacies that should be added to this list, please email gethealthyphilly@phila.gov  Continue Reading

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released data that shows that nursing home facilities accounted for more than two thirds of the state’s death toll of just over 4,620 so far. That percentage is lower in Philadelphia, which accounts for the largest percentage of the cases in the state. The long-awaited numbers show that at least 40 people died in West Philly nursing homes.

The following nursing and rehabilitation centers have reported COVID-19 cases and deaths among their residents:  Continue Reading

A new coronavirus (COVID-19) testing site has opened in West Philadelphia. Residents experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, muscle aches or difficulty breathing) or have been exposed to a person who tested positive, can now get tested at a drive-through and walk-through site located at Sayre Health Center (5800 Walnut St., Rear). Testing is by appointment only (please call 215-474-4444).

Hours of operation:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Thursday: 12-3 p.m.

For more information, visit: www.sayrehealth.org.

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Penn Medicine is looking for sewing volunteers who can make disposable cuffs for powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) (see photo). The supply of cuffs will be crucial for keeping the staff safe while treating COVID-19 patients.

If you want to help, please review the instructions here and here and watch two videos (Video 1, Video 2) to see how to make the cuffs and how the cuffs are used.

Penn Medicine will provide the fabric, zippers, elastic and a pattern to make 25 cuffs. You would need to provide your own thread and be able to pick up and drop off materials at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  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

Penn Medicine’s COVID-19 testing team in West Philadelphia (Photo from Pennmedicine.org)

Penn Medicine has opened its COVID-19 drive-through testing site in West Philadelphia to all people experiencing symptoms of the disease. The site is located in the parking lot at 4122 Market Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The site also has a walk-up lane.

The site is open to anyone who is experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (check here). You do not need to be a Penn Medicine patient and you do not need a referral from a provider to be tested. Those without a referral are encouraged to call Penn Medicine’s toll-free coronavirus hotline at 833-983-1350.  Continue Reading