Philadelphia will lift COVID restrictions on June 11, according to today’s announcement by city officials, except for a mask mandate.

Some restrictions will be lifted or eased next week. Beginning Friday, May 21, there will be no density limits for retail stores, offices, libraries and museums. Philadelphia is also lifting restrictions on outdoor pools. Also, people will be able to purchase and consume alcohol without having to purchase food. Continue Reading

Here’s a chance to hear from Philadelphia District Attorney candidates – Democrat Larry Krasner (the incumbent), Carlos Vega, a retired prosecutor (D), and Chuck Peruto, a criminal defense attorney (R). All three are scheduled to participate in a public forum organized by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Chapter.

The forum will take place online on Thursday, May 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. and will be moderated by Tamala Edwards, ABC News Anchor. Registration is required at http://bit.ly/DistrictAttorney2021 Continue Reading

Starting Wednesday, May 5, Philadelphia voters participating in the 2021 Primary Election will be able to drop off their mail-in or absentee ballots at mobile ballot drop-off events, organized by the Philadelphia City Commissioners.

Numerous voted ballot frop-off events, staffed by the personnel from the Board of Elections, have been scheduled at various locations around the city, including in several West Philly neighborhoods: Continue Reading

CVS has joined other pharmacies in Philadelphia to provide COVID vaccinations to residents. Many CVS locations in the city, including a few stores in West Philly, have vaccine appointments available. To schedule an appointment, go here. You can also try to walk in. The following West Philly locations have COVID vaccines: 4849 Market St., 3925 Walnut St., 3401 Walnut St.

In other Philadelphia COVID vaccine news, the FEMA-run vaccination clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center has about 4,000 Pfizer vaccine doses that are set to expire this Thursday. Philadelphia residents age 16 and older or those who work in the city are welcome to stop by today or tomorrow by 4 p.m. to get their first dose of the vaccine. No appointment is required. Continue Reading

Construction work will begin on the Safe Spaces for Cycling Project, starting the week of April 26th (weather permitting), according to today’s announcement by Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams.

The project involves the upgrading or reconfiguring bike lanes with the installation of pavement markings, flexible delineator posts, and bike lane related signage.

The following streets in West Philadelphia are included within the scope of this project:

• Parkside Avenue from Girard Ave to 52nd St. Continue Reading

Starting today, the city’s Department of Public Health began posting links on their website where residents can schedule a COVID vaccine appointment without an invitation at the FEMA-run mass vaccination clinics in Center City and North Philadelphia and at city-run neighborhood vaccination clinics, including the clinic located at the University of the Sciences in West Philadelphia.

To make a vaccine appointment, go here.

As was reported last week, FEMA-run mass vaccination clinics also began accepting walk-ups in addition to those people who had been invited to schedule an appointment after filling out the COVID Vaccine Interest form online or by calling 311. These options are also still available.

The City of Philadelphia has recently expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to all residents over the age of 16, so anyone within this age group can now sign up for an appointment or just walk in.