Coronavirus Update: Philadelphia Reports 175 COVID-19 Cases As Pennsylvania Total Nears 700
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Coronavirus cases continue to climb in Philadelphia and across the state of Pennsylvania as Gov. Tom Wolf has issued a stay-at-home order for Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. State health officials are reporting 165 new coronavirus cases Monday, bringing the statewide total to 698, with six deaths.
Philadelphia has 79 new cases of COVID-19 as the city's total rises to 175. A stay-at-home order is in effect in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
During a press conference Monday, city officials and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation launched the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund. The over $9 million grant and loan program designed to support Philadelphia small businesses, help maintain payroll obligations, and preserve jobs impacted by the spread of the virus.
"We are acutely aware of the potentially devastating impact that the spread of COVID-19 is having on small businesses in Philadelphia and around the country," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "These businesses are the backbone of our city's economy, and this fund will help some of our small businesses survive the COVID-19 crisis while also retaining as many jobs for workers as possible."
Click here for more information about the relief fund.
Meanwhile, Montgomery County reported 26 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 136. Over the weekend, the county announced its first death, a 72-year-old man from Abington.
Health care workers have been able to test 1,100 people since Friday.
There are also 43 COVID-19 cases in Bucks County, 25 in Lehigh County, 40 in Chester County, and 54 in Delaware County.
"Our notable increase in cases over the last few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. "Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home."
