Philly loosens some restaurant restrictions | Coronavirus Newsletter
Plus, after a year of pandemic, wearing masks outdoors is up for debate
The gist: Philadelphia is adjusting some restrictions on restaurants, including allowing bar seating and rescinding the 50-person outdoor dining cap, as long as restaurants submit a plan to the city. Health Commissioner Thomas Farley also said he is concerned about the high rate of new cases of COVID-19 and the unfilled coronavirus vaccination slots at the city’s largest clinics. Although the city has held firm with its mask mandates, Philadelphians are making their own decisions about whether to mask or not.
— Ellie Silverman (@esilverman11, health@inquirer.com)
What you need to know:
😷 While none of the COVID-19 vaccines are 100% protective, catching coronavirus after being vaccinated can be a shocking reality.
📰 Uber will provide Philadelphians with up to 10,000 free or deeply discounted rides to coronavirus vaccination sites run by the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium. Find the discount code here.
📚 The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University will be requiring students to get a COVID-19 vaccine before attending classes on campus in the fall.
🍕 Longtime Cape May pizza maker says pandemic and landlord dispute crushed his business. Icona Resorts, the Avalon-based owner of the building, claims Louie’s Pizza refuses to pay its rent. Read their story here.
🚇 With ridership still low, SEPTA will continue to rely on federal aid to fund its $1.5 billion budget.
💉 Interested but skeptical, Latinos benefit the most at North Philly mass vaccination site at Esperanza.
📰 What’s going on in your county or neighborhood? We organize recent coverage of the pandemic by local counties and Philly neighborhoods to make it easier for you to find info you care about. Sign up here to get those local headlines sent directly to your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Local coronavirus cases
📈 The Inquirer and Spotlight PA are compiling geographic data on tests conducted, cases confirmed, and deaths caused by the virus. Track the spread here.
Philadelphia is adjusting some restrictions on restaurants, including allowing bar seating and rescinding the 50-person outdoor dining cap, as long as restaurants submit a plan to the city. While making this announcement today, Health Commissioner Thomas Farley also said he is concerned about the high rate of new cases of COVID-19 in the city. And, the city is struggling to fill coronavirus vaccination slots at its largest clinics a week after expanding eligibility to all adults. Read more here.
The city has held firm with its mask mandates, but Philadelphians are making their own decisions about whether to mask or not. Although the risk of spreading the coronavirus outdoors is much lower than indoors, Michael LeVasseur, a Drexel University epidemiologist, pointed out: “It’s probably still polite to wear a mask.” My colleagues report on this “unusual intersection of biology and social science that health experts and the public have navigated over the last year.” Read more here.
Helpful resources
Am I eligible to get vaccinated? Know the requirements for Philly, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Philly area? Use our lookup tool.
Here's how to prepare for your vaccine appointment.
What you can do safely once you're fully vaccinated.
Symptoms of COVID-19, flu, common cold, and allergies can overlap. How to tell the difference.
You got this: Check out Vax-Jawn this weekend
Not sure what to do this weekend? We’ve got a great guide here, including Vax-Jawn, a free vaccination event tomorrow at the Dell Music Center in Fairmount Park hosted by the Black Doctors COVID Consortium. Anyone over 18 can get the Moderna vaccine on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and DJ Gary O will be providing music throughout the day. Read more here.
🏳️🌈 How to find LGBTQ-friendly mental health support in Philadelphia.
🍪 Insomnia Cookies opens a CookieLab ‘speakeasy’ behind a secret door across from Pat’s Steaks
🌎 Check out these pictures of Earth Day activities at the Philadelphia Orchard Project Food Forest
Have a social distancing tip or question to share? Let us know at health@inquirer.com and your input might be featured in a future edition of this newsletter.
What we’re paying attention to
It is safe for pregnant women to get the coronavirus vaccine, the Washington Post reports. CDC director cited data showing “no safety concerns.”
Indian hospitals and government leaders are scrambling to supply oxygen as coronavirus infections and deaths keep rising, the New York Times reports.
Only one vaccine is authorized for 16- and 17-year-olds. Kaiser Health News reports how that same vaccine is also the most difficult to manage in rural areas.
Enjoy getting our journalism through email? You can also sign up for The Inquirer Morning Newsletter to get the latest news, features, investigations and more sent straight to your inbox each morning Sunday-Friday. Sign up here.