PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In one of the most optimistic forecasts yet, fans may be allowed in the stands as soon as April 1 for the Phillies home opener.
According to Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley, the city is averaging 219 COVID-19 cases a day, which is an 80% drop since the peak in late December. The decrease, he believes, is actually not a direct result of the vaccine, as not enough people have received it yet.
"It more likely reflects a pattern followed by other respiratory viruses where they peak in the winter and get better in the spring and summer, so it's a sign that things will get better in the spring and summer and better still as vaccination coverage increases over time," he said.
The city has administered 174,000 first doses so far and nearly 89,000 second doses — numbers that are climbing daily, as more vaccine sites open.
All of this has the city looking at the restrictions that expire this weekend and considering which ones can be lifted. Farley said there are no guarantees, but a limited number of fans in an outdoor stadium should be feasible.
He is less optimistic about fans at Flyers and Sixers games, which are indoors. He said that would require state action.
Additionally, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent William Hite still expects some students to return to in-person classes next week. He said it's not contingent on teachers getting vaccines, but the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is running vaccine clinics for teachers.
Dr. Ron Keren said they gave 500 shots to teachers on Monday and expect to vaccinate all 35,000 teachers on their list in the next six weeks.
