Speaking today, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said the city of Philadelphia has 10 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the total since the disease outbreak to 44. Eight of the total 44 have been hospitalized.

While those 10 new cases are down from the 16 he announced yesterday, Farley said he expected to see rapid increases in confirmed cases in coming days.

“We have to assume this virus is spreading very rapidly through the city of Philadelphia," he said. "We expect many people in this city will get this infection."

Farley also said that 10* of the city's 44 total are healthcare workers, though he added that not all were believed to have contracted the disease while working.

He also encouraged people to continue to observe social distancing guidelines and to simply stay home.

Testing is currently being performed at 14 sites in the city and Farley expected that number to increase to 19 sites early next week.

COVID-19 Fund

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced a new fund to raise money to support people in the Philadelphia region affected by COVID-19. From the fund’s website:

“COVID-19 affects everyone in Greater Philadelphia in some way. The frontline organizations that serve at-risk populations such as the elderly, disabled, homeless and economically disadvantaged face increased demand for their services during this national emergency.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Bucks counties in Pennsylvania and Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey can apply for grants, with amounts calculated based on the organization’s operating budget. Grants will be made on a rolling basis to address the most immediate needs first, keeping in mind that some needs likely will emerge over time.

*-The original version of this story quoted Farley correctly as having said 20 of the city's cases were healthcare workers. He later corrected himself, however, and stated 10 were healthcare workers.