Philly's 'Safer At Home' Coronavirus Restrictions Lifted

PHILADELPHIA — The last two coronavirus mitigation restrictions in Philadelphia are over, signaling an apparent end to the pandemic in the city.

Officials at 12:01 a.m. Friday ended the final two "Safer at Home" restrictions: indoor mask mandate and the 11 p.m. last call for restaurants.

However, masks will be required in some select settings including healthcare institutions, temporary community healthcare events such as vaccine clinics and blood drives; congregate facilities such as prisons, shelters, and adult day programs; public transportation including planes, trains, buses, taxis, and ride-share vehicles; and indoor schools, camps and early childhood education among other settings.

Additionally, the mask requirement will remain in place for all court facilities and procedures.

The first restrictions went into effect March 12, 2020 and non-essential businesses were closed on March 16, 2020.

The Health Department reports that an average of 53 cases of COVID-19 have been identified per day in June. This is the lowest number of COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

During the week of May 30, 285 new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Health Department; prior to that, the lowest number was 525 new cases reported during the week of March 15, 2020.
The numbers of people in Philadelphia hospitals is quickly approaching the low point seen in late September 2020.

"Due to the lowest new case counts that we've seen since the start of the pandemic, we are now excited to lift the last of the Safer-at-Home restrictions," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. "Lifting the requirement for vaccinated people to wear masks indoors doesn't mean that we are totally past COVID-19. Dozens of Philadelphians are still being diagnosed with COVID-19 every day, which means that more of us still need to get vaccinated."

As of Monday, June 7, the Health Department reported that at least 836,370 Philadelphians have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 645,568 Philadelphians were fully vaccinated.
In percentage terms, 67.4 percent and 52 percent of Philadelphia adults, respectively.

According to the CDC, 66.3 percent of Philadelphians over the age of 64 are fully vaccinated.