Many Philadelphia residents who have been vaccinated against COVID are eligible to get a booster dose, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

The following groups who received the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago are recommended to receive a booster dose:

• People who are 65+ years old or those who live in a nursing home.

• People between 18 and 64 years old with underlying medical conditions that may put them at risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 or those who work in higher risk jobs, like healthcare workers, teachers or in other higher-risk institutional or occupational settings. Continue Reading

Philadelphia officials have announced a new indoor mask mandate to fight the latest surge in COVID-19 cases in the city. The new requirements will come into effect Thursday at 12 a.m. on and will only effect businesses and institutions that do not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for their staff and customers, according to today’s announcement by Mayor Jim Kenney.

Some Philadelphia area restaurants have been asking their customers to show proof of vaccination to be served at their business since the delta variant began spreading last month. Those restaurants that do not have such rules will have to ask their staff and customers to wear masks inside unless they’re actively eating or drinking. Continue Reading

Philadelphia health officials are urging residents, including those fully vaccinated, to go back to wearing masks in public indoor spaces as the number of new coronavirus cases in the city is growing again due to the highly contagious Delta variant. The new guidance aims to protect children under 12 years old who are not yet eligible for COVID vaccines, according to acting Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole.

There has been a “small but disturbing” increase in coronavirus  cases and hospitalizations among children in Philadelphia, according to Bettigole. The number of new COVID-19 cases overall has doubled in the city over the past couple of weeks. Continue Reading

Beginning today, fully vaccinated Philadelphians are no longer required to wear masks or facial coverings indoors, except in the following settings:

• Health care institutions, including vaccine clinics and blood drives

• Public transportation

• Congregate facilities, such as prisons and shelters

• Indoor schools and camps

Some private companies and stores may also still ask their customers and workers to wear a mask.

More than two-thirds of adults in Philadelphia have been vaccinated, and the number of new COVID-19 cases has been steadily dropping every week. Unvaccinated residents are still strongly recommended to continue to wear masks in public places and are urged to get vaccinated.

Philadelphia officials have announced that they will be lifting the remaining COVID restrictions, except for the indoor mask mandate and the 11 p.m. last call for dining, on Wednesday, June 2. The previously announced date for dropping these restrictions was June 11, however, due to the lowest numbers of new COVID cases in the city since September, the officials’ plan has changed.

The restrictions that are being lifted on Wednesday include density and maximum capacity limits, and social distancing rules.

City officials may lift the indoor mask mandate on June 11 if the number of new COVID cases remains low. Just a reminder that the outdoor mask mandate was lifted on May 21.

Starting this Friday (May 21), fully vaccinated Philadelphia residents will no longer be required to wear masks outside, including in crowded places, according to an announcement by the City’s acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. Those who are not fully vaccinated are still advised to wear masks in crowded places, like outdoor restaurants and sporting events.

The indoor mask mandate will remain in place until at least June 11, when the city is expected to lift all capacity-related COVID restrictions. Health officials will review COVID numbers in the city and decide whether indoor masks for vaccinated people can be eliminated on the week of June 6.

Just a reminder that some COVID restrictions in Philadelphia will be eased this Friday (read more here).