PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia is again seeing COVID-19 cases rise, after months of decline, and health officials aren’t sure why.
Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley says it may be that there are new variants in the region, or it may be that people have become complacent about precautions, or it may simply be another mystery the virus is holding.
"The epidemic always follows patterns we can’t fully explain. Now it’s the time period that it’s here. Later on it will be hot somewhere else," he said.
The increase in cases is small, but the positivity rate from tests is up, too, to 5%. Nonetheless, Deputy Managing Director Tumar Alexander says the city is reopening the special event permit process.
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"We’ll be insuring there are restrictions and processes in place to have folks put on safe events," she said.
Independence Blue Cross announced it will be opening another Center City vaccine clinic, at its headquarters on Market Street. That one is by appointment only. Eligible Philadelphia residents can get on the schedule through the Vybe urgent care website.
The city also announced changes at the FEMA vaccine clinic in hopes of getting the shot distributed more evenly. It’s allowing people, from 22 ZIP codes with the lowest vaccination rates, who are eligible by age or health or occupation, to walk-up to the clinic during certain hours, without an appointment. However, they must have proof of residence in the underserved areas.
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North Philadelphia
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Northeast and Lower Northeast Philadelphia
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