Candis R. McLean
*Updated on April 9, 2020*
To date, The Pennsylvania Health Department released there are now 18,000 COVID-19 cases in the state. In Philadelphia, the current number of cases is 5,271 cases with nearly 2,000 new coronavirus cases being reported today. To this date, the state death total is 338.
“Now more than ever, as we continue to see COVID-19 cases and deaths rise in Pennsylvania, we need Pennsylvanians to take action,” Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Those actions should be to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. If you must go out, please limit it to as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but other people as well. We need all Pennsylvanians to heed these efforts to protect our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and our healthcare workers and frontline responders.”
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s order of all non-life-sustaining businesses continues to be in place. The criteria for the non-life sustaining businesses can available here.
Mayor Jim Kenny gave a coronavirus update to PBS New Hour today. Kenny spent the. session talking about the growing number of cases, developing a plan to move forward, and more.
Also today, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered Pennsylvania schools to stay closed for the rest of the academic year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We must continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus during this national crisis,” Wolf said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision but closing schools until the end of the academic year is in the best interest of our students, school employees and families.”
All public K-12 schools, charter schools, private, parochial schools, career and technical centers, and other learning hubs will remain closed.
SEPTA has adopted a Lifeline Service Schedule Thursday, April 9. SEPTA will be providing limited service on all modes. The schedule is modified to provide better access for essential travel and to protect the health and safety of all customers and employees. Please check the SEPTA site for closures, station exits, and more information about SEPTA Key reimbursements.
Check out this eerie overhead drone shot of Philly during the “stay-at-home” order:
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
Subscribe, rate, and review all Philly Influencer podcasts here. Follow Philly Influencer onTwitter, Facebook, and Instagram.