Masks or facial coverings should now be worn in all indoor public spaces and outdoors if you can’t keep safe distance (at least six feet) from others , according to a new order by Philadelphia officials. This new rule doesn’t have to be followed if you’re around people in your household and is not mandatory for children under 8 years old. Although it is a requirement, it will not be enforced by police, according to Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.

Philadelphia was expected to enter the Green coronavirus re-opening phase this Friday (July 3), however, this could now be delayed due to an increase in new COVID-19 cases in the city. Some 143 new cases were reported on Friday. Philadelphia officials said on Friday that there may be a second wave of the epidemic developing in the city and that they’re keeping an eye on it before announcing their plans on the Green re-opening phase this week.  Continue Reading

As COVID-19 spread in Philadelphia continues to slow down, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf included the region in the list of 12 more counties allowed to move from Yellow to the Green re-opening phase beginning Friday, June 26. The Green phase allows re-opening of all businesses, including limited indoor operations for in-person businesses, such as hair salons, restaurants, and gyms/spas (at 50 percent occupancy and by appointment).

Masks are still required when entering a business and social distancing protocols must be followed.  Continue Reading

Booker’s Restaurant is ready to welcome outdoor diners on Baltimore Avenue (Facebook photo).

Starting today, Philadelphia restaurants and cafes can re-open for outdoor dining as part of the City’s Phase 1 (Yellow) coronavirus re-opening plan.

Some West Philly restaurants that have outdoor seating have already announced their plans to re-open. For some, customers will have to reserve their table in advance, but for others, reservations are not required. All restaurants have to follow the City’s guidelines on how to serve customers safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited seating, 6-foot distance between tables, wearing masks for both customers (unless they are seated) and staff.

Restaurants that don’t have an outdoor dining licence can request an application. Go here for more information.  Continue Reading

Image courtesy of SEPTA.

As Philadelphia has moved into the Yellow coronavirus re-opening phase and ridership is expected to grow, all SEPTA riders will now be required to wear a mask or facial covering. The new requirement goes into effect on Monday, June 8. In April, SEPTA asked riders to wear a facial covering to help spread COVID-19 on public transportation, but it wasn’t a requirement. SEPTA employees will “engage customers to remind them about the requirement starting Monday,” according to an announcement by SEPTA released Friday.

SEPTA returned to regular transit service on May 17, with rider limits for buses and trolleys still in effect. This will continue throughout the Yellow Phase. There are also signs marking off seats to indicate where passengers should sit to maintain a safe space.  Continue Reading

Today Philadelphia entered the “yellow” coronavirus re-opening phase, which allows in-person sales at retail stores with some restrictions. Food trucks and limited walk-up service at cafes and restaurants are also allowed. Outdoor dining at restaurants is not re-opening this Friday while the city is still working on safety guidelines, which are expected to be released by next week. Outdoor dining is now expected to start operating by June 12.

The City released Re-opening Guidelines for businesses and institutions last week. While stay-at-home orders are lifted in the yellow phase, residents should still follow safety practices, like social distancing, wearing facial coverings and more. Check out the city’s “Safer at Home” guide for more information and instructions for the yellow re-opening phase.

“This move to yellow is welcome, but it is not by any means a return to normalcy,” Mayor Jim Kenney said last Friday when the guide was released. While public gatherings up to 25 people are allowed in the yellow phase in the state of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia authorities are still not recommending gatherings of any kind.

Andy Niedermeier Social Distancing Concert. May 3, 2020. (Photo credit: Helena Grace)

Many people are finding life under social distancing isolating. However, my block has made homebound life into an opportunity to come together as a community. My name is Andy Niedermeier, and while I should have been away at college, I have come to cherish this time bonding with my neighbors.

It began when some of the younger kids on my block had birthdays. Parents of the birthday children asked if some of the neighbors could come out to their porches and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ together at an appointed time. These birthday celebrations turned out bigger than planned. The sidewalks were covered with chalked birthday wishes and people from almost every house on block came out onto their porches to sing. I was moved by this sweet gesture, which brightened what could have been a disappointing birthday for these kids. This is now custom – bringing the block together to give birthday wishes to neighbors young and old.  Continue Reading