COVID numbers increase, restaurants remain restricted

Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine

When will indoor restaurant dining resume?

Indoor restaurant dining in Philadelphia remains prohibited until at least Aug. 1, and that date could be extended.

Mask wearing remains required in all businesses, and the state has issued an order requiring masks while out in public.

The city, at press time, reported 29,803 confirmed coronavirus cases.

An interactive map of cases broken down by ZIP code can be found at phila.gov.

There have been a total of 1,678 deaths in the city. Eight-hundred and fifty-six of those deaths have been in nursing homes.

Anyone who wants to find a testing site can go to https://www.phila.gov/covid-testing-sites/#/.

Statewide, there are 108,264 cases in all 67 counties, with 7,122 confirmed deaths, including 4,851 in nursing homes or personal care facilities.

“As the state has put in place new mitigation efforts to offset recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, we know the virus has not gone away as we see cases rise, so we must work together to stop another surge.”

The Philadelphia Water Department agreed to postpone all water shutoffs for residential and commercial customers who are unable to pay their bills through Aug. 31. Customers who cannot pay their bill should apply for help at 215-685-6300 or www.phila.gov/waterbillhelp.

Philadelphians looking for the latest local information on the coronavirus can visit phila.gov/COVID-19.

Residents with questions can call a 24-hour helpline at 800-722-7112.

Or, text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone. ••