As the Delta variant began spreading earlier this summer, some Philadelphia area businesses, mostly restaurants, started requiring proof of COVID vaccination for entry. Other businesses, who do not require proof of vaccination, have to ask their customers and staff to mask up, according to updated citywide rules. In West Philly, the following businesses and event organizers are currently requiring proof of vaccination (and some of them masks, too):

• World Cafe Live is reopening its indoor space at 30th and Walnut for in-person events on September 29th after hosting events online for more than a year. The popular West Philly music venue has recently posted an update on its COVID-19 policy, which now includes proof of vaccination:

“Until further notice, all guests will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry to World Cafe Live. Negative tests will not be accepted at this time.” Continue Reading

New Powel/SLAMS school building (photo from RogersArchitects.com)

A new public school building opened this morning in the Powelton Village neighborhood, as the 2021-2022 academic year begins and students return to full-time in-person learning for the first time since March 2020.

The new building, located at 3610 Warren St., houses the Samuel Powel Elementary School and the Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLAMS). The 87,000-square-foot, two-story building is a joint project by Drexel University and developer Wexford Science and Technology.

To celebrate the opening of the new school building and the start of the new school year, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and School District Superintendent William R. Hite stopped by the school this morning. They greeted students and families and participated in the Opening Bell ceremony. Continue Reading

The family and friends of Haroon Sharifi, a West Philly resident with Afghan roots, who was stuck in Afghanistan for days after the Taliban takeover of the country, can now breathe a sigh of relief. Haroon arrived back in the United States on August 24th and has made his way back home to West Philly, according to information provided by his West Philly friends. But it took a joint effort by Haroon’s wife, Awista Hashimi (she had stayed in Philadelphia with their five children), and his West Philly friends and neighbors to bring him back home.

Earlier this month Haroon, a permanent resident who along with his wife and children was granted asylum in the U.S. five years ago, made an emergency trip to Kabul to help his family secure medical care for his seriously ill mother. His return flight was scheduled to take place last Monday, the day the airport closed to commercial flights after the Taliban takeover. Continue Reading

Throughout this month, SEPTA crews have been working on the Southwest Connection Improvement Program, rebuilding the main infrastructure on the Media/Elwyn Line between 30th Street Station and the Arsenal Interlocking, which is below Penn Medicine Station (former University City Station).

The work, which takes place every weekend, began on August 7th and is expected to be completed this Sunday, Aug. 29.

This Saturday and Sunday, there will be some SEPTA service changes to facilitate the construction: Continue Reading

After more than a year of virtual learning caused by the pandemic, University of Pennsylvania students are moving back to campus this week to resume in-person learning. Partial closures of Spruce Street to accommodate students’ move-in began on Monday and will continue through Sunday, with the exception of Thursday when the street will remain open to traffic.

From Friday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Aug. 29, Spruce Street will be closed between 38​th​ to 40th​ from 7:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Just a reminder that no vehicular traffic, including bicycles, is permitted on the closed section of the street. If you’re a bicyclist you will have to get off your bike and walk. Buses will be on detour (please check SEPTA for more info).

Penn Police will be on site during the closures assisting with traffic flow and delays should be expected.

UPDATE (8/25/2021): The School District of Philadelphia’s Board of Education voted on Tuesday night to approve a resolution to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all School District employees.

“It is the Board’s duty to protect our children, many of whom cannot get vaccinated, and being vaccinated is the best protection against the virus,” Board President Joyce S. Wilkerson said in a statement released Tuesday evening. “We believe that preventing COVID-19 infections through vaccines will lead to fewer missed school days, more in-person learning days, and ultimately, to improved student achievement.”

Following the Board’s resolution, School District Superintendent William Hite will develop a mandatory vaccination plan that would require employees, contracted workers and service employees who work in District facilities and on District property to be fully vaccinated and to submit proof of vaccination status. The plan would also include a process to request exemptions and accommodations for certain documented medical circumstances or “sincerely” held religious beliefs. Details of the plan will be developed and shared soon with District staff and school communities. Continue Reading