LVHN Stresses Potential Heightened Risk of COVID-19 Exposure in New York City

NOTE:  The following information was published March 19, 2020. For current COVID-19 information, visit LVHN.org/COVID-19

If you have been in New York City or exposed to someone who has traveled there in the past 14 days, please be aware that you may be at heightened risk for contracting coronavirus (COVID-19). While this is NOT a formal declaration from any state or federal body, this alert does represent observations Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has made regarding the current cohort of positive COVID-19 cases in Eastern Pennsylvania. As such, the health network felt it prudent to share this alert.

For the safety of our patients and all colleagues, LVHN colleagues are being informed that if they have been in New York City or exposed to someone who has traveled there in the past 14 days, that they should take their temperature daily before reporting to work.

Symptoms of COVID-19 infection

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of Breath

What you should do

• Stay home if you have symptoms.

• Complete a free COVID-19 screening online or by phone (you must be in Pennsylvania to receive screening due to medical licensing regulations). Here’s how:

  • Complete an E-Visit (detailed questionnaire visit submitted to a provider) by visiting MyLVHN.org or your MyLVHN app.

  • Call the MyLVHN Nurse Information line at 1-888-402-LVHN.

  • Complete an LVHN Video Visit by downloading the MyLVHN app.

LVHN wants to screen patients via these technologies so that they remain in their own home and only need to leave if testing is needed. This screening helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 and it helps keep doctor's offices open and available to provide other important care.

During the screening, if the LVHN medical professionals determine a patient has COVID-19 symptoms, they will be directed to one of the stand-alone COVID-19 Assess and Test locations. Patients will qualify for a test ONLY if they have symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath). The test detects active disease and cannot determine if a patient has been exposed. It is important to note that tests are reserved for those who need them most.

Remember to take these steps to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

• Practice social distancing.

• Know the symptoms.

For the latest information from the health network, visit LVHN.org/covid19.