Here's a thread of some takeaways from today's (Wednesday, April 15) @PHLPublicHealth briefing:

As of Wednesday, April 15, there have been 7,441 total COVID-19 cases and 222 total COVID-19 deaths in the Philadelphia area.

This is an increase of 311 new COVID-19 cases and 16 new COVID-19 related deaths in Philadelphia since yesterday.

While today's increase is smaller than days before, the count may be “falsely low” due to a lower number of laboratory reports than in days before, Dr. Farley said.

“We're not necessarily past the worst of this yet,” Dr. Farley said. “I’m hopeful that we're near the top, but we're, maybe, not past the worst of it. People are still getting sick, and we know the virus is still circulating.”

The city’s jail currently has 56 people who are incarcerated who have tested positive for COVID-19.

This includes three new people who tested positive since yesterday and one person who is now testing negative.

Additionally, the city reached an agreement to use two additional hotels as quarantine and isolation spaces for people with COVID-19, Mayor Kenney said.

The three hotels now include the Holiday Inn Express (which is currently housing 40 people), the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Center City, and the Marriott Springhill Suites at the Philadelphia Airport.

The Holiday Inn Express is for anyone who cannot quarantine or isolate at home, including first responders and people experiencing homelessness.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites and Marriott Springhill Suites are quarantine and isolation spaces for first responders.

Reminder:

Isolation spaces separate people with the virus from people without it, according to the CDC.

Quarantine spaces separate and restrict movements of people who were exposed to the virus in order to prevent them from getting sick, also according to the CDC.

The city also announced ten new locations where people who are caregivers can go to pick up free baby supplies, including diapers, Mayor Kenney said.

For more info, visit: https://www.phila.gov/2020-04-15-free-pregnancy-baby-and-toddler-supports-during-covid-19/

"Our youngest citizens also need support at this time," Mayor Kenney said.

The city will also offer 23 "grab and go" meal sites for older adults, in partnership with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

For more info, visit: https://phila.gov/2020-04-15-free-meals-for-seniors-during-covid-19/…

Call first to be added to the list for meals, Mayor Kenney said.