Farley reported zero deaths Monday and a very low number of new cases: 102. Since the first case was reported on March 10, the city’s case count has increased to 18,313, with 893 fatalities.
Farley said a low number of lab results account for some of the decrease.
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Still, he said, “the trend in the number of cases is clearly downward and it may be picking up speed in going down, which is a very good thing.”
Mayor Jim Kenney reiterated that the city won’t reopen until Farley says it’s safe, but residents can prepare for a reopening by getting used to doing three things: keep 6 feet apart, frequently wash your hands, and wear a mask.
“They’re not that complicated to put on,” Kenney added. “They’re not that uncomfortable, especially the cloth masks.”
Schools will be among the hardest places to reopen because there are a lot of people in an enclosed space. But according to Farley, a new complication may impede school reopenings even more.
At least six children in Philadelphia have experienced a coronavirus-related inflammatory syndrome that attacks organs.
“In the past, we thought this infection really didn’t occur in children, or if it did, it was so mild it was unimportant,” he said. “This is a rare and certainly very serious complication of it.”
In light of the prolonged shutdown, the mayor also sent a letter to Congress asking for additional aid for cities and increased funding for the education system.
“Cities and states cannot effectively address and recover from this pandemic without a robust federal partnership and response,” he said in the letter. “While I am grateful and appreciative of all that has been done so far, much more is needed to ensure that Philadelphians can safely survive the crisis and thrive beyond it.”
Kenney said the city has been in discussions with the state and neighboring suburbs on developing a regional reopening plan tailored to local needs.