Penn Medicine’s COVID-19 testing team in West Philadelphia (Photo from Pennmedicine.org)

Penn Medicine has opened its COVID-19 drive-through testing site in West Philadelphia to all people experiencing symptoms of the disease. The site is located in the parking lot at 4122 Market Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The site also has a walk-up lane.

The site is open to anyone who is experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (check here). You do not need to be a Penn Medicine patient and you do not need a referral from a provider to be tested. Those without a referral are encouraged to call Penn Medicine’s toll-free coronavirus hotline at 833-983-1350.  Continue Reading

West Philly-based Mercy Catholic Medical Center – Mercy Philadelphia Campus (former Mercy Philadelphia Hospital), is accepting medical supply donations from the community to support its COVID-19 response.

The hospital is accepting donations for the following unopened items:  Continue Reading

UPDATE (3/20/2020): The City has opened a drive-through testing site in the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park in South Philly. The site is open daily from 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and individuals don’t need a doctor’s referral to receive a test. However, only healthcare workers and people over the age of 50 who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are eligible for testing at this site (at least for now). Please read more information here.

(3/18/2020): Penn has opened a COVID-19 drive-through testing site for people whose primary-care physician is within the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine). The exact location of the site hasn’t been revealed. You need a referral from your doctor, who will provide the address of the site. The site offers free testing  – no co-pays or deductibles will be charged.

Here are other free drive-through testing sites around the city, also by referral through their systems:  Continue Reading

As the number of the coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in the Philly area has been rapidly growing, and cases of community spread are confirmed, it is important to practice social distancing (among other precautions), whether it’s cancelling meetings, social gatherings and hangouts, or keeping a safe distance from others on the street or while shopping (some grocery stores, like Mariposa Food Co-op, have begun limiting the number of shoppers inside the store at one time).

Here’s what’s happening elsewhere in the neighborhood, according to one West Philly Local reader:  Continue Reading

Here are some of mutual aid and information dispersion efforts going on in West Philly to help out folks in need during these trying times. People will need everything from food and basic supplies to ideas about educating or entertaining children to caring for elderly folks.

Now is the time to step up if you are able.  Continue Reading