Philly Coronavirus Figures Highest Since Post-Holiday Surge

PHILADELPHIA — The coronavirus is surging once again in Philadelphia despite vaccination efforts, health officials said Tuesday.

During a news conference Tuesday, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said the city's case levels are the highest since the post-holiday surge in January.

Farley said cases, positivity rates, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise.

Seven hundred forty-seven new cases were reported Tuesday, bringing the city's total coronavirus case count to 142,297.

From April 11 to April 17, the city had an average of 586 new cases per and 7.3 percent positivity rate. Farley said those figures are likely to increase as more data is compiled by the city, which means those figures could be higher number than the 591 average daily new cases and 7.6 percent positivity rate the week before.

Hospitalizations are up from last week as well, with 551 people being treated in hospitals as of Tuesday. Last week 504 people were being treated in Philadelphia hospitals.

And sadly with increased cases and hospitalizations comes increased deaths.

Farley said 13 new coronavirus deaths were identified Tuesday. The week of March 21 saw 23 deaths, but the week of April 4 saw 44 deaths.

Deaths are likely to increase in the coming weeks, with Farley saying he expected to see more than 50 deaths a week soon.

These figures come even as Philadelphia'a vaccination efforts are in full effect.

As of Tuesday, the city has provided first doses to roughly 608,000 people, Farley said. Fully vaccinated people total roughly 451,000, he said.

CDC data shows 51 percent of people 65 and older in Philadelphia have been vaccinated.

Farley said that figure need to increase drastically and to do so the city is calling this week "Bring Your Loved Ones to Get Vaccinated Week."

All week, younger residents are encouraged to bring their elderly parents, grandparents, and other relatives to get vaccinated at one of the 274 sites offering the vaccine across the city.

"If you do this as a younger person, you just may save the lives of your elderly relatives of friends," Farley said.

This initiative was launched as many older Philadelphia may have difficulty getting to and from vaccination appointments.

Walk-up vaccines are now widely available at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as at Esperanza Academy Charter School. The Esperanza Academy Charter School site is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Those who wish to make vaccination appointments at city-run vaccination sites can still do so online here.