CITY HALL
Thousands Unvaccinated Before City Employee Vaccine Mandate Starts
Twenty-two percent of city employees are not in compliance with the vaccine mandate going into effect on Friday, according to local officials. Employees who do not prove that they have received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination by Friday will be put on unpaid leave for 15 days and may then be fired.
FEMA Testing Site Sees Use During First Weekend Open
The new federal COVID-19 testing site in Southwest Philadelphia saw consistent use over the weekend as people came for free tests. FEMA officials say the testing site expects to conduct 500 tests per day, with no expected closure date in sight.
Officials Complete Gathering Evidence at Fairmount Fire Scene
Representatives from the Philadelphia Fire Marshal's office and ATF said they have completed gathering evidence at the scene of last week’s deadly fire. Officials believe that a young boy who was playing with a lighter near a Christmas tree may have started the fire.
Superintendent Hite Testifies Philadelphia Students Meet Minimal Standards, “Because That’s All They Have Access To”
As the landmark state school-funding case continues to play out in court, Superintendent Hite testified regarding the challenges the School District of Philadelphia faces as a result of the funding the district receives from the state.
Suburban Spotlight
Drop in Homicides in Chester Due to Unprecedented Collaboration
City, county, and state officials gathered on Tuesday to applaud Chester’s gun violence being reduced to historic lows. Stakeholders credit collaborations, such as the Chester Partnerships for Safe Neighborhoods, for decreasing the homicide rate.
Chester County Announces Additional COVID-19 Test Sites
The Chester County Health Department announced that two new testing sites in West Chester and West Grove will serve residents.
Hospital in Delaware County Temporarily Closes
Due to staffing issues, the emergency room at Springfield Hospital will be closed starting tomorrow.