Philly Coronavirus News: The City’s Puny $100 Coronavirus Fine, More Wawa Employees Test Positive

In Washington D.C., residents face a $5,000 coronavirus fine for violating the stay-at-home order. In Philly, the fine is just $100.  (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

A roundup of Philly coronavirus news.

5,000 Coronavirus Cases and Counting

That’s the latest stat on confirmed coronavirus cases in the Philadelphia region. There are more than 2,100 coronavirus cases in Philadelphia County (which is the same thing as the city).

Other local counties look like this: Delaware County, more than 460; Montgomery County, more than 730; Bucks County, more than 450; and Chester County, more than 210. And then you’re looking at more than 800 confirmed coronavirus cases collectively in Burlington County, Camden County and Gloucester County.

Statewide, our numbers have climbed to more than 7,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

And remember that map that we showed you the other day detailing coronavirus cases by zip code? Here’s what that map looks like today:

In case you’re having a problem viewing the map here, you can try the city’s website.

And Even More Coronavirus Problems at Wawa

Last week, we told you that a Wawa in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia closed temporarily after an employee tested positive for coronavirus.

And now, we’ve learned that at least 13 Wawa locations temporarily closed for sanitization due to coronavirus. In Philly, those Wawa locations include 901 South Street and 3901 Aramingo Avenue. The other Wawa locations in question fall outside of city limits. The latest one we’ve heard about is in Cherry Hill.

Wondering why Wawa is open at all? Well, Wawa sells food and, in some cases, gas, all of which is covered under Governor Wolf’s list of life-sustaining businesses. And if Dunkin’ Donuts is allowed to remain open, then you better believe Wawa isn’t going to close up shop.

Here’s part of a statement recently released by a Wawa spokesperson:

Wawa will always remain transparent, especially in times of uncertainty, and we continue to take immediate action to protect our customers and associates. It is our policy and public health guidance to close stores for professional deep cleaning and disinfecting after being notified of an associate with a confirmed case of COVID-19. We are notifying our customers of temporary closures in stores for precautionary cleaning and sanitizing. We will continue to provide more information as we have it, including when the store will re-open.

Still love ya, Wawa, but we think we’ll just re-learn how to make coffee at home until this is all over.

Philly’s Puny $100 Fine for Violators

If you violate the coronavirus stay-at-home order in Washington D.C., you could face a fine of up to $5,000 (yes, five thousand dollars) and possibly as much as three months behind bars.

But here in Philadelphia, where the city continues to play softball with residents, the penalty maxes out at a mere $100.

Then again, that $100 would buy you 20 Italian Classics at Wawa during HoagieFest. Something to consider.

Our Suggestion? Exercise Outside

Wait, didn’t we just tell you that you could be fined $100 for violating the city’s stay-at-home order. Well, that is true, but the good news is that you are still allowed to go outside for some fresh air. We’ve put together this handy guide on how to safely and responsibly exercise outside.

Is that a high of 70 that we see in the forecast? Why yes, yes it is. Get outside and move (but, you know, not near anyone else)!