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Where to find COVID tests in Philly ahead of holiday gatherings
The 2022 winter holiday season is well underway, and quite unfortunately, COVID has not gone away.
- If you’ll be around friends and family who are older or immunocompromised — or just want to be extra safe — the Health Department recommends testing before a party or gathering.
You can request free at-home rapid test kits from the federal government, but they might not arrive in time. Happily, Asha Prihar has several ways to get them right here in Philadelphia.
How to shop your values in Philadelphia
‘Tis the season for commerce, but that doesn’t mean you need to shelve your values. Dollars can be more powerful than bullhorns.
- Your purchases can be a form of activism, supporting the causes and communities you value, fueling local economies, and supporting independent makers.
How to do it? BP contributor Andrea Szyper has a guide to some B corps, sustainable fashion, fair trade, and maker-to-market vendors in Philadelphia.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- A judge is expected to rule in the next few months on the latest appeal by Mumia Abu Jamal, imprisoned 40 years ago for killing a PPD officer. The former journalist has supporters around the world, who feel he’s a political prisoner and fight for his release. [6ABC/Billy Penn/WHYY]
- Residents of Philadelphia speak at least 85 different languages, according to a new city dashboard that’ll be updated annually. [Technically/Phila Gov]
- Driving to and from New Jersey will cost the same in 2023, as the DRPA — chaired by mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker — postponed bridge toll increases for the 12th consecutive year. [BP/KYW]
- This year’s Mummers Parade won’t air on PHL17. The new broadcast partner is WFMZ. Live Casino & Hotel is the title sponsor, and IBEW Local 98 will donate staff. [WFMZ/Inquirer$]
- New to the Mummers? Here’s our 101 on Philly’s infamous New Year’s tradition. [Billy Penn]
- A handful of local connections made NYT’s most stylish of the year: Sheryl Lee Ralph (yes!), John Fetterman (um…), and the spotted lanternfly (lol). You can read the blurbs on our Twitter. [NYT$/BP x 3/@billy_penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Nothing public for Mayor JFK today. Yesterday his social accounts noted the start of the Festival of Lights, with Boathouse Row lit up for Hanukkah.
ON THE CALENDAR
? Want to help wrap gifts for people in need? Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association’s Operation Santa is looking for volunteers. (6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21)
?️Celebrate Hanukkah with cocktails and bites at YJP Philadelphia’s happy hour at the RiverRink, featuring a latke bar, sufganiyot, a menorah lighting, and plenty of l’chaims. Tickets start at $25. (5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21)
? Extra incentive to take the kids to the Museum of Illusions in Old City over winter break: there’s a special teacher-created holiday scavenger hunt. Tickets are $23 adults, $18 kids. (now through Dec. 31)
? The Weitzman’s annual “Being _____ at Christmas” is for anyone who’s not planning festivities around the tree. Expect live music, dance, crafts for all ages, games, and movies. Admission is $15 for adults, $20 for kids. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25)
