Reopen Philadelphia: Philly pausing full green phase, modified opening and restrictive in place, announces travel advisory

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Due to the growing number of positive coronavirus cases, Philadelphia is pausing some of its reopening plans and will only move into a modified green phase on Friday. The city has also issued a travel notice for 15 states across the country.

The city’s health commissioner Dr. Thomas Farely opened his press conference on Tuesday saying the news was not good as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationally and regionally.

There were 142 new positive cases reported Tuesday, bringing the city’s total to 26,133. There were five additional deaths in Philadelphia, bringing the total to 1,584.

Farley said that in the past two weeks, the positive cases have likely been younger people. Thirty-four percent of cases were under the age of 30 in the past two weeks, compared to 20 percent during the entire pandemic.

He said this is related to social events and travel, especially trips to the Jersey shore.

Farley said the city’s daily case counts are no longer declining, and Philadelphia will not meet its goals to go completely green on Friday.

Therefore, the city is pausing to reopen indoor dining, as well as gyms and fitness centers, at least until August 1.

The city is also asking people in Philadelphia not to travel to the following states where they are seeing increasing numbers of COVID-19: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina , South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

People returning to Philadelphia from any of these states must be quarantined for 14 days, Farley said.

On Friday, Philadelphia will allow the reopening of some businesses in a modified and restricted green phase.

These businesses and activities include museums and libraries, covered shopping malls, and small indoor and outdoor gatherings.

Casinos will also be able to open during this restricted green phase, but only with very strict requirements: masks are required, six feet away from customers, and absolutely no food, drink or smoking is allowed indoors.

All businesses and activities must follow the Safe Mode guide on the Reopening website with the City’s attention.

Farley added that if people can work remotely, they should continue to do so.

Farley noted that he hopes Philadelphia will be dealing with this virus for a long time, and if there is an increase in cases, the city may be forced to close some previously open businesses.