Philly Urges 1-Household Thanksgiving Events As Cases Top 60,000

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphians are strongly urged to keep their Thanksgiving holidays small to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

On Monday, the Department of Public Health said Philadelphians should limit in-person Thanksgiving events to only members of their own household.

The announcement comes as the city surpasses 60,000 total cases identified in the city since March 10.

Officials said 2,412 more cases have been identified over three days, bringing the city's total case count to 60,703.

The city suggested residents celebrate via Zoom or other online video platforms rather than in person. Zoom announced it is waiving its meeting time limit on Thanksgiving to allow longer video calls for the holiday as many plan to stay home.

Additionally, health officials said Philadelphians should take special care to limit their exposure to others in grocery and other food stores.

Those who still need to get groceries are urged to do so before Wednesday and to wear masks the entire time in the store. Shoppers are also urged to shop either early in the morning or late at night and give plenty of distance to others in the store.

Officials said residents can always leave a crowded store and come back later at a slower time.

The Department of Public Health will be doing outreach and education to grocery stores and other big box retailers this week to remind them of the guidance, review existing practices, and work to implement the new Safer at Home guidance.

One additional death was reported Monday, bringing the death toll to 1,953. Of those deaths, 925 or 47 percent have been long-term care facility residents.

The Department of Public Health reports 631 patients with coronavirus are being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 51 on ventilators.