PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The rate of new COVID-19 infections is nearing record levels again in Philadelphia, and demand for testing is very high, leading to scarcity locally.
The city's Department of Public Health reports that the two-week average in Philly is about 1,400 cases a day. On Tuesday alone, the city had 2,004 new cases. The positivity rate, the percentage of all tests that came back positive, was 18%.
Dr. Ala Stanford with the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium tweeted on Monday that the rapid testing done at the Center for Health Equity in North Philadelphia had a positivity rate of 33%.
With Christmas gatherings in the rear view, the omicron variant is still a major concern, and many people are interested in getting tested ahead of New Year's Eve.
The city has three testing locations set up for Wednesday. No appointment is necessary, and rapid testing is available at all locations.
Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity
9 a.m. - noon
2001 W. Lehigh Avenue
(844) 423-2362
Oak Street Health Primary Care
Philadelphia Department of Public Health mobile testing unit
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
3621 Aramingo Avenue
(215) 360-3037
New Journey Christian Center
Philadelphia Department of Public Health mobile testing unit
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
5728 Ardleigh Street
The health department has an FAQ on COVID-19 testing in Philadelphia. People are advised to prepare for long lines at these locations.