Coronavirus Cases Falling In Philly, Possible Holiday Spikes Loom

Philadelphia PA

30 December, 2020

1:09 PM

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PHILADELPHIA — Data shows Philadelphia is seeing fewer coronavirus cases and deaths in recent weeks, but officials are concerned about post-holiday spikes. On Tuesday, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said case counts have been falling in the city, with daily average cases decreasing over the past few weeks. Officials reported 305 new cases Wednesday, bringing the city's total case count to 90,656 since March 10. Farley said from Dec. 20 to Dec. 26, the city had an average daily case count of 502 and a 9 percent positivity rate. That figure is down from the week of Dec. 13 to Dec. 19, which saw an average daily case count of 679 and a 9.4 positivity rate. Thirty more deaths were reported Wednesday, bringing the city's overall death toll to 2,436. Of the 2,436 total deaths, 1,009 or 41 percent were long-term care facility residents. Farley said the week of Nov. 29 saw 94 deaths; the week of Dec. 6 saw 86 deaths, and the week of Dec. 16 saw 69 deaths. Additionally, hospitalizations have been dropping since Dec. 17. As of Wednesday, 762 people are being treated for coronavirus in Philadelphia hospitals. Ninety-eight of those patients are on ventilators. But while these trends show progress in fighting the coronavirus, Farley is concerned about numbers spiking again after the holidays. "We know that many people traveled over the Christmas holiday," Farley said Tuesday, going on to say he's concerned the travel led to exposure to others. "We'll begin to see the effect of people traveling and visiting with people over the Christmas holiday in the next few days," he said. "And we'll begin to see the effect of any New Year's gatherings at the end of next week." Farley said if the holidays lead to spikes, they may run together and feed off one another. He said should spikes occur they will last until about Jan. 15. Farley said data shows the city's restrictions that went into effect on Nov. 20 have helped bring the numbers down. The restrictions were planned to be lifted on Jan. 1. With the Jan. 15 date in mind for the end of potential spikes, officials shifted course and said restrictions will be lifted on Jan. 15. According to Farley since Nov. 20, Philadelphia's seven-day case rate fell 41 percent, while the state overall saw a 16 percent rise in the seven-day case rate. Additionally, since Nov. 20 Philadelphia went from having the highest case rate in Southeastern Pennsylvania to the lowest. If the case rates don't rise in the coming days, Farley said some activities — such as gyms, in-person high school learning, museums, and more — could resume on Jan. 4. See details on the restrictions here. Farley urged residents to not hold or attend indoor gatherings and not to get together with people outside their immediate household. "If you want to get together, do it outside with masks," he said, going on to say it doesn't matter if family and friends have been tested for the virus. "Don't get together with people outside of your household, it's particularly important right now."