In response to the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, Governor Wolf has established a testing "strike force" that will administer free testing through Sunday in five different counties, including Northampton. There is no need to show symptoms.
It's a drive-thru/indoor walk-in testing clinic, available from 9:00AM – 6:00PM, at the William Penn Highway Park & Ride at Emrick Blvd, Easton, PA 18045. Northampton County Emergency Management Services will be on site to assist with coordination and logistics.
According to Executive Lamont McClure, this team used up its daily allotment on Wednesday by 4 pm. He said he's grateful for the assistance from the Department of Health. Currently, 10% of the more reliable PCR tests are coming up positive.
Mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests are being performed at this site. Testing is on a first-come, first-serve basis and, as stated, is completely free to all patients. Patients must be ages three and older and are not required to show symptoms of COVID-19 in order to be tested. No appointment is necessary. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo-ID or insurance card. Registration will also be completed on-site. The turnaround time for testing results is two to seven days after testing. If you come back negative, you'll get an email. If you come back positive, you'll get a call.
In the meantime, Northampton County has set a new record for Covid-19 cases. On December 2, just six days after Thanksgiving, it reported 245 new cases. It's pretty clear that some people refused to keep their gatherings small.
And this is why Wolf put restrictions on restaurants all along. People are selfish. Somebody has to make the tough decisions and it sure isn't the Republican legislature in this state.
ReplyDeleteI get restrictions. I do not get shutdowns. That was not a "tough" decision. It was an idiotic response that hurt people and violated the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteWhat the state government could/should do is fund/subsidize/promote restaurant take out and delivery services. Waive taxes, etc.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, all those suicides we're ignoring are piling up.
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