The coronavirus measuring stick Pennsylvania officials released this week for when counties might be considered for reopening under Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan caused confusion across the region.» UPDATE: The coronavirus benchmark that Pennsylvania officials released this week for when counties might be caused confusion across the region, with guidelines posted on the state website contradicting statements from state and local officials.According to the website, Philadelphia would already have the case numbers needed to be considered for moving into the first phase of reopening. That prompted...…The coronavirus measuring stick Pennsylvania officials released this week for when counties might be considered for reopening under Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan caused confusion across the region.» UPDATE: The coronavirus benchmark that Pennsylvania officials released this week for when counties might be caused confusion across the region, with guidelines posted on the state website contradicting statements from state and local officials.According to the website, Philadelphia would already have the case numbers needed to be considered for moving into the first phase of reopening. That prompted...WW…

Even as the city holds firm with its mask mandates, Philadelphians are making their own decisions about whether to mask or not.White and pink pastel blossoms frosted the trees beneath a blue sky Tuesday afternoon in Old City, the kind of spring day that makes long sleeves optional. For many, though, masks were not.“I do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Ellen Stroman, as she walked by the colonial columns of the Shambles near Second and Pine Streets with her husband, their daughter, and dog.There is ample evidence that masks help prevent COVID-19′s spread, and their value...…Even as the city holds firm with its mask mandates, Philadelphians are making their own decisions about whether to mask or not.White and pink pastel blossoms frosted the trees beneath a blue sky Tuesday afternoon in Old City, the kind of spring day that makes long sleeves optional. For many, though, masks were not.“I do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Ellen Stroman, as she walked by the colonial columns of the Shambles near Second and Pine Streets with her husband, their daughter, and dog.There is ample evidence that masks help prevent COVID-19′s spread, and their value...WW…

More than 200 emails obtained by the Inquirer show the health department planned closely with Philly Fighting COVID, and include red flags about the city’s partnership with the organization.Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley has said the city’s failed vaccine partnership with Philly Fighting COVID, a collaboration that, was formed “in a hurry.”But more than 200 emails obtained by The Inquirer suggest something different: They show the health department was closely planning with the group for months before the January launch of its first mass vaccination clinic. And they included...…More than 200 emails obtained by the Inquirer show the health department planned closely with Philly Fighting COVID, and include red flags about the city’s partnership with the organization.Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley has said the city’s failed vaccine partnership with Philly Fighting COVID, a collaboration that, was formed “in a hurry.”But more than 200 emails obtained by The Inquirer suggest something different: They show the health department was closely planning with the group for months before the January launch of its first mass vaccination clinic. And they included...WW…

The city has had to cull more than 1.000 appointments from its system in the past few days because of a software problem that allows people ineligible for vaccination to get shots.A change in Philadelphia’s vaccine registration system should allow only people who are eligible for shots to register for COVID-19 inoculation through the city, closing a loophole that has allowed an untold number of people to get appointments improperly.The fix comes as city health department staff canceled about 1,400 appointments from Sunday to Tuesday made by people who shouldn’t be receiving shots in...…The city has had to cull more than 1.000 appointments from its system in the past few days because of a software problem that allows people ineligible for vaccination to get shots.A change in Philadelphia’s vaccine registration system should allow only people who are eligible for shots to register for COVID-19 inoculation through the city, closing a loophole that has allowed an untold number of people to get appointments improperly.The fix comes as city health department staff canceled about 1,400 appointments from Sunday to Tuesday made by people who shouldn’t be receiving shots in...WW…

“This moment is a beginning,” the mayor said.Mayor Jim Kenney on Tuesday announced a broad set of goals for reforming the Philadelphia Police Department, saying he wanted to review or change policies including how and when officers use their guns, how they are disciplined, and how much civilian oversight they are subjected to.He also said he would eliminate a proposed increase to the Police Department’s budget for the next fiscal year — an abrupt change of course from activists and City Council members over his plan to boost police funding by $19 million over the current budget while making...…“This moment is a beginning,” the mayor said.Mayor Jim Kenney on Tuesday announced a broad set of goals for reforming the Philadelphia Police Department, saying he wanted to review or change policies including how and when officers use their guns, how they are disciplined, and how much civilian oversight they are subjected to.He also said he would eliminate a proposed increase to the Police Department’s budget for the next fiscal year — an abrupt change of course from activists and City Council members over his plan to boost police funding by $19 million over the current budget while making...WW…