Here’s a great new initiative from a group of local organizers to show public support for the city’s essential workers during theses challenging times. Italy had songs on balconies, New York City banged on pots and pans, and Philly folks are invited to dance at their doorway. A daily, Philadelphia Doorway Dance Party for Essential Workers kicks off Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. and here’s how it works:

The group asks all Philadelphians to gather in their doorway or door area at 6:30 p.m. to dance to the sound of the “Rocky” theme and then “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” the upbeat tune from the Sound of Philadelphia’s “McFadden & Whitehead” (see video below). The group has reached out to local radio stations to play these tunes. So far, two stations, Radio One & iHeart Radio, have agreed to participate in the initiative.  Continue Reading

Penn Medicine is looking for sewing volunteers who can make disposable cuffs for powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) (see photo). The supply of cuffs will be crucial for keeping the staff safe while treating COVID-19 patients.

If you want to help, please review the instructions here and here and watch two videos (Video 1, Video 2) to see how to make the cuffs and how the cuffs are used.

Penn Medicine will provide the fabric, zippers, elastic and a pattern to make 25 cuffs. You would need to provide your own thread and be able to pick up and drop off materials at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Continue Reading

The local non-profit Neighborhood Bike Works has launched a great new program with a goal to help essential workers in the neighborhood.

Many people rely on public transportation to get to and from work, but social distancing may be very difficult on SEPTA, especially after its service was reduced. NBW’s new program offers free bikes, refurbished by its shop mechanics, to essential workers who need transportation. If you are an essential worker, please fill out this form to request a bike. When the bike is ready, a no touch pick-up will be scheduled at the NBW shop at 3939 Lancaster Ave.  Continue Reading

Pennsylvania residents entering a grocery store or any business in the state will have to wear a mask or a facial covering, according to a new state order. The requirement goes into effect on Sunday at 8 p.m. and is applied to both customers and staff.

Businesses have been ordered to refuse entry to anyone not wearing a facial covering. If the business sells food, medicine or medical supplies, they must provide “alternative methods of pick-up or delivery,” according to the order.

Businesses are required to provide masks for employees or approve masks they bring themselves.  Continue Reading

UPDATE (4/15/2020): SEPTA began offering free surgical masks to riders on some buses and subway trains and at 69th Street, 15th Street, Suburban and Jefferson stations, according to reports. This is a temporary initiative intended for riders who have not yet secured their own masks or facial coverings. It will only be available while supplies last, according to CBS Philly.

4/14/2020: SEPTA’s “Lifeline Service Schedule,” designed for safer traveling for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, went into effect on April 9th. The new schedule includes suspended select trolley lines and bus routes and also closed select trolley and train stops/stations.

The original Lifeline Service Schedule, published last Wednesday, has been updated. Some El stations in West Philadelphia that SEPTA had planned to close, including the 46th Street station, remain in operation.  Continue Reading

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is launching a new Town Hall series to continue a dialogue with the community during the COVID-19 crisis. Town halls will take place every other Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The first town hall will be Thursday, April 16 and will focus on public benefits and how to access them. A representative from Benefits Data Trust will share information and answer questions about public assistance, including programs like WIC, unemployment, and Medicaid.  Continue Reading