By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

On Friday, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced 397 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia.

Image by Bruce Emmerling from Pixabay

This large number of new confirmed cases is due in part to having received a large number of test results today (over 5,800). That brings the number of confirmed cases to 41,564. In addition, the Department of Public Health also announced 14 new probable cases from rapid antigen tests.

“Today’s numbers are a clear warning that the epidemic is growing rapidly in our region,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “Everyone in Philadelphia should be even more cautious—avoiding contact with others unnecessarily and wearing a mask whenever you must be around anyone other than your household members.”

The Department of Public Health confirmed one additional fatality in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 1,853. Of the 1,853 total deaths, 906 (49%) were long-term care facility residents.