Philly is Poised to Enter Into the Green Phase by Early July!
Philly is Poised to Enter Into the Green Phase by Early July!
In more or less words, Mayor Jim Kenney believes Philly can enter into the green phase as early as July if we can keep following social distancing guidelines.
“While we’re anticipating this will happen as early as July 3, I want to remind everyone that our actions each day will determine whether we are indeed able to take that next step. Let me reemphasize that, our own actions will determine whether we will be able to move forward or not. As you’ve seen in other areas of the country, that irresponsibility has set them back, so let’s not go there,” Mayor Kenney stated Thursday.
Kenney says the city will allow certain activities not considered to be high risk and permitted in Gov. Tom Wolf’s “yellow phase” to resume on Friday, June 26.
These activities will include barber shops, beauty salons, swimming pools (both public & private), zoos from the outside only, as well as religious gatherings.
In addition gyms, schools, museums, shopping malls and libraries may also resume. Small outdoor events up to 50 people and restaurants with indoor seating with some occupancy restrictions. As far as outdoors, sports activities and outdoor recreational can also resume.
Kenney says Philadelphia will still prohibit or restrict some activities that are allowed by the state in the green phase. Casinos, indoor theaters and large gatherings will not be immediately allowed in the city.
Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley also chimed in regarding the planned green phase opening stating, “I’m excited to see the progress Philadelphia has made against this epidemic. But we will be cautious on how we reopen. Philadelphia is uniquely at risk, as the most densely populated county in the state, with the highest number of cases and deaths from COVID. We don’t want to see a second wave of this epidemic. We will be more careful and will be more restrictive than the Commonwealth in what activities are allowed and how they can operate.”
According to a recent article on CBS Philly, Philadelphia officials announced an additional 68 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the citywide total to 24,723. Ten new deaths were also reported. To date, there have been 1,513 deaths related to COVID-19.
Officials say 51% of the city’s deaths from COVID-19 are from long-term care facility residents.
Wolf said Thursday face masks continue to be considered critical in preventing the spread by COVID-19.
