Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley: What you need to know, how to get tested and other FAQs

Here’s the latest on how coronavirus is affecting the Lehigh Valley, and other important information you need to know. What other questions and concerns do you have? Ask us.

u00bb This story is being provided free as a public service during the coronavirus outbreak. Support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber (Already a print subscriber? Activate your digital subscription).

What are the latest cancellations?

View our latest list of Lehigh Valley area cancellations (as well as a few events that are still on).

How is coronavirus impacting the Lehigh Valley?

Here’s a collection of our recent stories detailing the impact:

Schools closed after Wolf orders statewide shutdown

Meals to low-income students will still be provided despite closures

Wolf urges residents to avoid malls and other public places as cases rise

Lehigh Valley nursing homes close to visitors

How Lehigh Valley businesses are trying to get by

Lehigh Valley prisons limit visits as local courts adapt

Panic buying slams Lehigh Valley supermarkets

Lehigh Valley health care providers join effort to increase testing

Sick days in Pennsylvania: Are you guaranteed to be paid?

All of Lehigh Valley’s colleges move to online classes

Canceled classes force college students to scramble

Unprecedented impact on theater, arts at colleges

More Lehigh Valley restaurants offering curbside pick-up service

Allentown Diocese Masses to go on, but obligation to attend lifted

Lehigh Valley IronPigs ‘hopeful and optimistic’ for home opener

Pain and perspective for Patriot League athletes whose seasons are over

College athletes may have dilemma on their hands

NCAA wrestlers stranded and heartbroken by coronavirus-driven cancellations

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

The new coronavirus that was first diagnosed in Wuhan, China, in December can cause a disease called COVID-19, which has the following symptoms of fever, cough and shortness or breath. Symptoms range from mild to severe.

How can I get tested in the Lehigh Valley?

LVHN

People who suspect they are sick with can now get tested at seven clinics (with an eighth on the way) opened by Lehigh Valley Health Network. Before people visit the clinics, however, they must schedule a video visit, call the hospital or send a message to a provider through its website. The video visits will screen symptoms and limit person-to-person contact.

St. Luke’s

St. Lukeu02bcs University Health Network has launched a coronavirus hotline to respond to inquiries from patients and the public:

Phone: 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537), option 7

E-mail: [email protected]

Where are the LVHN testing locations?

MacArthur Road: MacArthur Road: 2741 MacArthur Road, Daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Palmerton 528 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stroudsburg: 1655 W. Main St., Stroudsburg, Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Macungie: 6451 Village Lane, Macungie Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Richland Township: 320 W Pumping Station Rd Suite 3, Quakertown Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hazleton: 140 N Sherman Court, Hazleton Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cressona: 35 Sillyman Street, Cressona Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nazareth (open Monday): 863 Nazareth Pike Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What about other patients who go to those locations?

The locations are all doctor’s offices and urgent care centers that are being diverted into testing sites. They will no longer see patients and will only be used for coronavirus testing.

Who will pay for the tests?

Insurance companies will cover the tests, said LVHN spokesman Brian Downs. Those who are uninsured are encouraged to visit one of the clinics anyway, as they will not be required to pay, the network said. Video visits for coronavirus screening will be free.

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday that Pennsylvania’s major insurance companies would cover coronavirus testing when necessary and would waive any costs to patients. On Wednesday, Wolf said the state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program would also pay for tests without copayments.

How does the test work?

The test itself is similar to a flu test. A sample is collected from the nasal passage with a cotton swab. The sample is then sent to a testing lab. Testing lab companies stress that people who suspect they are ill with the virus should not come to patient service centers.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about coronavirus or getting tested?

You can call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH.

What’s the latest tally of coronavirus cases in the Lehigh Valley and region?

Lehigh County: 0

Northampton County: 1

Bucks County: 3

Carbon County: 0

Monroe County: 3

Montgomery County: 18

Schuylkill County: 0

How does the coronavirus spread?

Coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health:

Through the air by coughing or sneezing

Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands

Touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Occasionally, through fecal contamination

How can I protect myself and my family?

Health officials suggest that you:

Wash your hands frequently and for 20 seconds

Don’t share food or drinks with anyone

Practice social distancing, by staying at least six feet from others, especially someone who is coughing

Eat fruits and vegetables; and get plenty of sleep

Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand

Avoid touching your face

Wash surfaces with soap and water

If you feel sick, stay home!

___

(c)2020 The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.)

Visit The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) at www.mcall.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.