First Philadelphia coronavirus patients being admitted to Liacouras Center
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The first patients were being admitted to Temple University's Liacouras Center, which has been transformed into a field hospital for overflow COVID-19 cases.
In a news conference, city officials said several patients were expected on Monday, which about a half dozen in the next few days.
The facility is intended for patients who are past the worst part of their illness and don't need ventilators, but may still need oxygen.
Patients could stay up to five days and the center is staffed by doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists.
The center is not a testing site and it is not an emergency room, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said.
RELATED: Skin rashes emerge as possible symptom of COVID-19, dermatologists say
City leaders also reported five additional COVID-19 deaths in the city, bringing the total to 370.
Another 339 positive cases were reported, bringing the city's total to 9,553.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jim Kenney announced $9.2 million in funds sent to 1,145 small businesses in the city. Half of those are in low or moderate income areas, Kenney said, while 60 percent were minority-owned and 34% were owned by women.
Another 600 businesses will be funded in a second round, Kenney said.
Approximately 900 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,680 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA DIGITIZED LEARNING ENTERS NEW PHASE
A new phase of remote learning begins for students in the Philadelphia school district.
Superintendent William Hite says students should be finished with four weeks of learning guides,and should now have their Chromebooks ready for "digitized learning."
Teacher-led Instruction on new material is set to begin on May 4, when lessons will be graded and attendance will be kept.
TESTING SITES
The City-run location in Center City continues to serve those who are over the age of 50 and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as health care workers who are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus.
The site is available by appointment only and a referral is required. Those who meet the criteria and want a test can call (267) 491-5870 to obtain a referral.
There are also more than 20 private testing sites across the city run by hospital systems and other organizations.
MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE
Skin rashes emerge as possible symptom of COVID-19, dermatologists say
Mother & daughter nurse team takes on COVID-19 at Temple University Hospital
Delaware County workers going home after 28 days making COVID-19 protective gear
Pet owners note behavioral changes in their cats and dogs during the coronavirus pandemic
The NHL's coronavirus pause: Possible playoff host cities, virtual draft, player concerns and more
All Pennsylvanians now required to wear masks to enter essential businesses
Understanding the risky combination of diabetes and the coronavirus
MORE RESOURCES
Keeping Reusable Shopping Bags Sanitized and Germ-Free during COVID-19 Outbreak
How to get groceries, supplies, takeout, online workouts and home projects while quarantine
Things for everyone to do to pass the time at home
Great homeschooling and educational resources for parents and students
Free 6abc printable activities for kids to do at home
Work from home: Here are some companies hiring remote workers
CONNECT WITH US
Share your coronavirus story with Action News
Complete coronavirus coverage from Action News
