As the number of COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia surged last month, Inquirer journalists Lisa Gartner, Lauren Schneiderman, and Tim Tai reported from inside Temple University’s COVID-19 hospital. Their exclusive reporting — shared through words, photos, and video — let us experience what it was like on the front lines of the battle against the virus.

Over the past several weeks, Lisa, Lauren, Tim, and dozens of their colleagues in the newsroom have been deployed to report on the crisis from all angles. Lisa, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, has dug into how the disease has affected local families, medical professionals, and youth in detention centers and jails. Lauren produced a vivid video report that brought Inquirer audiences to Easter services held in LOVE Park. And Tim photographed the scene at a testing site in Camden. 

“I hope it provides a window for readers into a space they might not otherwise see,” Lisa said. “This is why you’re staying home.”

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lenfest Institute will match all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, which means your support will go twice as far. 

Please join me in thanking Lisa, Lauren, Tim, and the entire Inquirer newsroom for their around-the-clock work to provide us with the latest news and information on coronavirus.

With thanks,

Jim Friedlich

Photo by Tim Tai/Philadelphia Inquirer