Philadelphia Enters Yellow Phase of Opening
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced that Philadelphia will enter the “Safer at Home” Yellow Phase of opening on June 5, 2020.
Health Commissioner Dr. Farley confirmed, “Based on the metrics that we announced last week, I am cautiously recommending that Philadelphia begin to restart the economy using a phased, slow plan,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Farley. “The Safer at Home plan announced on Friday is the safest way to try to get people back to work but to do it in a way that will allow us to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s imperative that Philadelphians continue to follow the guidance that has reduced the number of new cases to a level we haven’t seen in months: stay at home if you can, wear a mask whenever you’ll be around others, stay six feet away from others, and wash your hands often.”
The City’s Safer at Home plan and executive order outlines how Philadelphia will begin to reopen for business when the current Stay-at-Home Order is lifted on Friday, June 5, 2020. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health continues to advise residents that they are “safer at home,” and should only leave to engage in essential activities.
Continued Precautions:
As they restart, businesses will be required by the Safer-at-Home Order to follow a safety checklist of operations called “Safe Mode” to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additional recommendations for different types of businesses and activities are detailed in a separate set of industry-specific guidelines.
Testing Site Map:
A new testing site finder at phila.gov/testing helps people find a free COVID-19 test in Philadelphia. Anyone can search for a site by address, click on a map location for specific site information, and filter by day of week and by drive-thru or walk-up.
Each of the testing sites has its own requirements, and that information is included for each location on the map. For example, some sites require referrals, appointments, or certain criteria for patients. No sites require payment, insurance, or proof of citizenship. Residents are strongly encouraged to call first for an appointment or referral; all necessary phone numbers are available on the map.
The finder is available in six languages, and the map will continue to be updated as new testing sites are opened.
Expanded Testing Standards:
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is recommending COVID-19 coronavirus testing for anyone, regardless of age, who meets this criteria:
- Known or suspected exposure within the last seven days.
- A new cough, new shortness of breath, or two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, new loss of taste or smell.
The expansion of testing recommendations comes as a result of the increasing availability of coronavirus testing at public health and commercial laboratories. Increased testing for the coronavirus is a key part of the City’s and Pennsylvania’s plan to re-open safely.
COVID-19 Resources:
Visit the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 homepage for more resources and guidance on the city’s COVID-19 response.
Businesses with questions about the applicability of the new Safer-at-Home Order’s guidelines to their operations should email business@phila.gov (click below).
