{"id":14188,"date":"2024-04-15T16:09:06","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T20:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/?p=14188"},"modified":"2024-05-15T18:05:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T22:05:47","slug":"philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic","title":{"rendered":"Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s impossible to find someone who doesn&#8217;t know anything about the pandemic that began in Wuhan in 2019. Then it spread around the world. It was COVID-19 that caused mass vaccination, a huge number of deaths and quarantine practically everywhere on the planet. Going through this period was challenging for everyone. So, let&#8217;s look into what happened in Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more at <a href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/\">iphiladelphia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a4dc0c3ef232\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a4dc0c3ef232\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic\/#First_cases_of_the_disease_and_precautions\" >First cases of the disease and precautions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic\/#Spread_of_the_pandemic\" >Spread of the pandemic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic\/#Face_masks_during_the_pandemic\" >Face masks during the pandemic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic\/#Piles_of_dead_bodies\" >Piles of dead bodies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic\/#The_city_came_back_to_life\" >The city came back to life<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_cases_of_the_disease_and_precautions\"><\/span>First cases of the disease and precautions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Philadelphia was just to exhale after a harsh winter that had finally subsided. The number of people on the street increased quickly. This was not unusual, given the last month of winter ended 10 days ago. Even if the sun hadn&#8217;t yet begun to warm up, the spirit of spring could already be felt. However, unexpected news awaited Philadelphia residents. Though, we&#8217;ll get back to that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As of March 10, 2020, everyone was aware of the events in Wuhan that had taken place since 2019, but no one could have predicted that Philadelphia would get ill. However, on this day, an unexpected event occurred: confirmation of the COVID-19 case. It turned out to be an adult who had previously been in contact with an infected individual. March 10 marked the beginning of lengthy days in the apartments, without the opportunity to enjoy the arrival of spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The authorities reacted rather calmly since they did not want a widespread panic that could result in many casualties and fatalities. The city decided not to cancel concerts, training camps, competitions, etc. However, to ensure the well-being of the community, the authorities provided recommendations. Each resident was advised to refrain from visiting venues with more than 5,000 people. This precaution was taken to prevent large crowds and the spread of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spread_of_the_pandemic\"><\/span>Spread of the pandemic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2024\/04\/17133938\/gfh67dwrmyvau5bprdfapclfw8hegsjfb6s0ykqbtnjvva5mh-ah9d603jdbsp8wogg8khs0qs4ilxnyonl_r7wybgzbly8jicr23qopb42p1griq-zcnpk5gnjulvk9nh14h-ijvctksyyea3ijz14.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of the city&#8217;s efforts stopped the spread of the pandemic. Already on March 17, barely a week after the first confirmed case, the number of infected patients had risen to 96, with another 533 cases reported on March 28. There were a total of 2,751 registered patients. Furthermore, Philadelphia had the greatest number of confirmed COVID patients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Due to the rapid spread of the disease, the city issued an order requiring citizens to stay at home. This could prevent the virus from spreading further. At the same time, the health center was able to handle treatment as they reacted quite quickly to the outbreak of the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As more people complained about COVID-19 symptoms, it was decided to set up a kind of field hospital. The Liacouras Center was one of such places. Approximately 200 beds were installed on the site. The facility served as an emergency option for patients since no one knew how many people would become ill or how the pandemic would progress in general. Fortunately, the hospital proved unnecessary by the end of April 2020, as the number of diseases started to decrease. As a result, the activities of the field hospital were curtailed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this did not mean that the epidemic was defeated, it rather stopped spreading as quickly. As of April 10, more than 5,000 cases had been reported, 137 of which were fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Face_masks_during_the_pandemic\"><\/span>Face masks during the pandemic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2024\/04\/17133936\/4lokwkdj3jfwopz9hb0d19bx4p0p9mwp3dnbam64roa4mbcq6aihyzneyb0sncdaudwmw3vdbmfseg14aanejlgnllef_nh7oudvkan09rr8t7v4v8cl0xt5w5y-9zpudzkzaituf52qpa0cxf5zvtk.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone in Philadelphia was terrified of the pandemic. So, in order to reduce its spread, the government mandated the wearing of masks in public. Following that, the city entered the &#8220;season of masks.&#8221; Almost everyone on the street wore their new accessory, which could save them from serious consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, some people refused to take COVID-19 seriously enough. One such person was removed from the bus as he violated the regulations established for the safety of citizens. Some may argue that it was wrong, but everyone who lived through that time felt only fear for themselves and their loved ones. Everyone had masks, gloves and sanitizer in their pockets. Thus, society attempted to prevent infection. Nobody knows for sure if this worked, but the subconscious is a powerful force that undoubtedly affected most people quite strongly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Piles_of_dead_bodies\"><\/span>Piles of dead bodies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2024\/04\/17133935\/2gdsbxntd9fmpxb6rwu0fzntrdvhrtlugnrr90qmmrgputi7fplk-856xb2d234r4gbwggnwno9wqrma0r2d4ldscecv6eiix-0hwojk-siy6hagshsmdfwsfv9dqpo_tf73-jttg1xei99fxzgrnzg.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the decrease in the number of deaths, people had to actually survive. On April 8, it was stated that Philadelphia could soon become a hotspot for the disease outbreak. Then on April 15, everyone witnessed the confirmation of the information firsthand. In one day, 603 people contracted the disease. This recorded figure was the highest at the time of the first wave. Moreover, the number of deaths increased too. On April 17, 54 people lost their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With such a rapid surge in infected patients, hospitals and funeral houses ran out of space to store the bodies. There are images available on the internet taken on April 19, 2020. The photos show a horrific scene that will live in everyone&#8217;s mind. The death toll cannot be calculated. Each body is covered in a sheet and placed in the back of a pickup truck. But what is most tragic is that some personnel were unable to physically walk around such a large number of dead people as they accidentally stepped on them. This is very reminiscent of stories about the period of the plague <a href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/uk\/eternal-zhovta-garyachka-epidemiya-yaka-za-try-misyaczi-zabrala-zhyttya-blyzko-5-tysyach-osib\">outbreak<\/a>, when the dead simply had no place to put, and the number of bodies only increased every day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_city_came_back_to_life\"><\/span>The city came back to life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2024\/04\/17133934\/q8ae9-1c6qtaorpsdzj54vepxvu1hwo-a3xg5ctsyyrrhqn6f8k5y_aoevcr3y6ifacgqbfmrrbw1yalaeatuathofuagimddqt0c01mfv1zrotzfkzqp_c_k7n6fpfbprrbwhx58mp559phtlwzuda.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the end of May and the beginning of June, the number of diseases significantly decreased. As a result, the mandate that residents remain inside their homes was canceled, allowing them to eventually go outside into their yards and take in the refreshing summer breeze. Businesses gradually resumed operations. Restaurants, swimming pools, hairdressers and other establishments followed suit. Life resumed its usual course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, work permits did not allow for loud and huge parties or gatherings because the maximum number of persons allowed to gather in one place was 25. This figure gradually increased. However, all of this happened gradually, as one incorrect or hasty decision could result in a new wave of diseases and deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the COVID-19 vaccine was developed, residents began vaccinating themselves as a further measure of protection against the disease&#8217;s severe symptoms. Philadelphia removed the street mask regulations in 2021, but only for those who have received vaccinations. Furthermore, the cancelation of the order did not extend to public spaces, as crowding could potentially result in a new surge of diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The status of a vaccinated person marked a new step in the fight against the virus&#8217;s spread. Only with it, citizens could freely visit restaurants and other public catering establishments. It was impossible to go to any establishment without proof of vaccination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On March 2, 2022, the authorities released good news: citizens weren&#8217;t required to wear masks on the premises anymore as the city was free of the virus. The cancellation gradually expanded to include educational institutions, public transportation and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The COVID-19 strain was evolving and growing more dangerous. However, statistics show that the majority of diseases and deaths occurred in those above the age of 75. Without a doubt, this pandemic was a challenge for every resident of Philadelphia, and far beyond. In just one year, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of over 14 million individuals around the world.&nbsp; After all, no one has ever experienced such dreadful pandemics in their lifetime, except for those about which stories have been recounted. However, in the twenty-first century, everyone has been through hell and will remember it for the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s impossible to find someone who doesn&#8217;t know anything about the pandemic that began in Wuhan in 2019. Then it spread around the world. It was COVID-19 that caused mass vaccination, a huge number of deaths and quarantine practically everywhere on the planet. Going through this period was challenging for everyone. So, let&#8217;s look into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":328,"featured_media":14131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4817],"tags":[6234,6238,6233,6239,6235],"moimportance":[32,35],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[83],"class_list":["post-14188","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-healthy","tag-first-cases-of-the-disease-and-precautions","tag-its-impossible-to-find-someone-who-doesnt-know-anything-about-the-pandemic-that-began-in-wuhan-in-2019","tag-philadelphia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic","tag-philadelphia-was-just-to-exhale-after-a-harsh-winter-that-had-finally-subsided","tag-this-is-very-reminiscent-of-stories-about-the-period-of-the-plague-outbreak","moimportance-golovna-novyna","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","motype-eternal","moformat-longread-short"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/328"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14188"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14188\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14189,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14188\/revisions\/14189"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14188"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=14188"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=14188"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=14188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}