Thread by @ClaireWolters

Here’s my recap of today’s (Wednesday, May 6) PHL Public Health press briefing.

First, today is #NationalNursesDay. Mayor Kenney thanked nurses for their service in Philly hospitals, calling them "true heroes."

"Docs get a lot of attention, but none of this would be possible without our nurses," Mayor Kenney said. "Nurses run the hospital."

It is also #CorrectionalEmployeesWeek.

"City employees continue to be on the frontline of this pandemic, and those working in the prisons are no exception," Mayor Kenney said. "... I thank the correction officers and employees for their dedication during this challenging time"

Third, Sunday is #MothersDay.

Mayor Kenney encouraged people to celebrate "safely and responsibly," by adhering to stay at home orders. People should not gather in groups (large or small) outside of their immediate household, he said.

"Wear a mask, save a mom," he added. :)

Numbers below:

As of Wednesday, May 6, there have been 16,697 cases of COVID-19 and 803 related deaths in Philadelphia since the start of the pandemic.

This is an increase of 287 new cases and 60 deaths since yesterday.

As in past days, these daily numbers may be skewed based on the efficiency of testing, Dr. Farley said.

Overall, Philly is still on the downslope, and now making process in decreasing the numbers of cases in congregate settings, Dr. Farley added.

However, COVID-19 continues to hit nursing home residents hard, Dr. Farley said.

Of the total 803 deaths, 424 (53%) of people who died were nursing home residents.

In the city’s jail, now 26 people who are incarcerated are testing positive for the virus. This is a decrease of three people who have recovered, since yesterday.

Today’s hospital numbers are slightly lower than yesterday.

There are now 936 COVID-19 inpatients in Philadelphia hospitals and 1,739 in hospitals in the SE Pa. region.

Testing note: All sites (which are listed on phila.gov/covid) are asking people to call ahead before coming to get tested.

Last, Dr. Farley touched on the uncertainty of when we can “reopen Philadelphia.” The answer, he said, is unclear.

"The virus has more surprises in store for us," Dr. Farley said. "So we're just gonna have to see how it goes."

"I understand that uncertainty is difficult for everybody," Dr. Farley said. "That is simply the situation we're in now. I can say, though, that right now we are clearly moving in the right direction. Our actions are very much slowing the spread of this virus [and] saving lives."