NOTE: The positivity rates for City of Bethlehem, Northampton and Lehigh Counties, and Pennsylvania have been adjusted to a positivity rate reflecting the previous 7 days. This was done to show a more accurate depiction of the current situation. (7/9/2020)
Contact Tracing
The City of Bethlehem Health Department is actively monitoring all cases of COVID-19 within the City limits. As per CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines, the Health Department is also contacting all individuals who have been in exposed to a known case of COVID-19. In addition to initial contact the City of Bethlehem Health Department is using SaraAlert to follow individuals during their quarantine and isolation periods.
As of 7/9/2020 the City of Bethlehem Health Department has Contact Traced 139 individuals. Of the 139 individuals,
12.9% of the contact traced individuals ultimately became probable or confirmed case for COVID-19 during the monitoring period.
The following service changes are in affect:
Water and Sewer
•Continue to provide highest quality water to resident and businesses
•Will remain available to respond to emergency situations
•No shut-off water service to customers
•All complaints will be evaluated and acted upon, as appropriate
Police/Fire/EMS
•No impact to emergency services
•Non-emergency fire inspections of commercial buildings will be suspended
•New construction fire inspections will continue
•All complaints will be evaluated and acted upon, as appropriate
Housing Rehab
•Suspend all non-emergency housing rehab inspections
•All emergency requests will be acted upon, as appropriate
Health
•Modified annual food inspection schedule
•All requests for home based needs are being evaluated on a case by case basis
•All educational programming in the community has been canceled
•Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings for symptomatic patients and treatment for STDs will be done by appointment only
•All childhood and adult immunization appointments and low risk tuberculosis screenings will be rescheduled
•Family planning services will be modified and will be done by appointment only
•No walk-ins patients until further notice
•All complaints will be evaluated and acted upon, as appropriate
Governor Wolf has ordered all non-life sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to close their physical locations. Please see the link below for additional information:
https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#For businesses
General Green Phase Guidelines
Work & Congregate Setting Restrictions
- •Telework Must Continue Where Feasible
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•Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Updated Business and Building Safety Requirements
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•All Businesses Operating at 50% Occupancy in the Yellow Phase May Increase to 75% Occupancy, Except Where Noted for Bars and Restaurants
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•Masks Are Required in Businesses
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•Child Care May Open Complying with Guidance
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•Congregate Care Restrictions in Place
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•Prison and Hospital Restrictions Determined by Individual Facilities
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•Schools Subject to CDC and Commonwealth Guidance
Social Restrictions
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•Indoor Gatherings of More Than 25 Prohibited; Outdoor Gatherings of More Than 250 Prohibited
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•Masks Are Required in all Public Spaces
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•Self-certified Restaurants May Open at 50% Capacity for Indoor Dining
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•On-premises Alcohol Consumption Prohibited Unless Part of a Meal; Cocktails-to-go and Carryout Beverages are Allowed
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•Serving Alcohol for on-site Consumption Must End at 11:00 PM and All Alcoholic Beverages Must Be Removed From Patrons by Midnight
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•Personal Care Services (including hair salons and barbershops) Open at 50% Occupancy and by Appointment Only
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•Indoor Recreation and Health and Wellness Facilities (such as gyms and spas) Open at 50% Occupancy with Appointments Strongly Encouraged; Fitness Facilities Are Directed to Prioritize Outdoor Fitness Activities
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•All Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) Open at 50% Occupancy
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•Construction Activity May Return to Full Capacity with Continued Implementation of Protocols
Funding Resources
PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
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•Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) –Closed
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•Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - EIDL Advance Closed
On June 15, SBA began accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications from all eligible small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses. To learn more about eligibility and apply, click here.
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•Express Bridge Loans
Express bridge loans are available up to $25,000 and can be used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. The loan will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan. Find an Express Bridge Loan Lender by connecting with your local SBA District Office.
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•Debt Relief
As part of our coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Microloans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020. This relief is not available for Paycheck Protection Program loans or Economic Injury Disaster loans.
**Lehigh SBDC can assist with applying for SBA Loans
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
•Employee Retention Credit
The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.
Johns hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Operational Toolkit for Businesses Considering Reopening or Expanding Operations in COVID-19. Please see the link below:
https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/publications/operational-toolkit-for-businesses-considering-reopening-or-expanding-operations-in-covid-19
Property and Homeowners
Code/Permit Information
For information on housing inspections and code related concerns, see the "City of Bethlehem Services " tab of this page. Additional information can be found at the following link:
https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Community-Economic-Development/Housing-Inspections
City Funded Housing Rehab Programs
Homeowners may still submit electronic or mailed applications but no onsite work will be performed until further notice. Emergency repairs and Lead Based Paint emergency work will be performed on an as needed basis. Information on these programs can be found at the following link:
https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Community-Economic-Development/Housing-Inspections
Tenants Rights and Fair housing Concerns
Questions and concerns about tenants' rights and Fair Housing violations during this crisis can be mailed to Penn Legal Services. Penn Legal is a non-profit that is supported by the City of Bethlehem in order to address concerns of this nature. At this time, Penn Legal's office is closed and is accepting online inquiries only. Send inquiries to :
https://www.northpennlegal.org/
Questions on Evictions and Foreclosures
An eviction is a legal process carried out by the local court system. The Northampton and Lehigh County courts are currently closed and not proceeding with eviction hearings at this time. Questions on the County's court system can be found at the following links:
Northampton County:
https://www.nccpa.org/magisterial-district-judges
Lehigh County:
https://www.lehighcounty.org/Services/Suspended-Services
Additional information about evictions can be found in the "federal eviction moratorium for tenants living in certain types of housing" which provides further guidance on tenants' rights and foreclosures during this time. A summary of this moratorium can be viewed on the National Housing Law Project's website at the following link:
https://www.nhlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020.03.27-NHLP-CARES-Act-Eviction-Moratorium-Summary.pdf
If you believe that you have been wrongfully evicted from your home or wrongfully had your property foreclosed, you can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General of PA at the following link:
https://www.attorney general.gov/taking-action/press-releases/ag-shapiro-to-landlords-pennsylvanians-cannot-be-evicted-during-state-emergency/
Note: The information provided is not intended to substitute or constitute as legal advice. It is recommended to seek professional legal advice on specific matters that arise.
If COVID-19 is making you feel isolated, stressed out or anxious, you are not alone - and it's okay to ask for help
Behavioral Health Services
Lehigh County Crisis Intervention. Licensed telephone and mobile crisis services that provide mental health assessments regardless of income or insurance. Crisis Intervention operates 24-hour/7 days a week. Lehigh County Crisis Intervention can be contacted at 610-782-3127.
Staff from the Office of Mental Health are available to answer questions about the programs and services available. If you are actively receiving mental health services in the County system, they can assist you. If you are not currently registered in the County Mental Health system and wish to access County funded/supportive services, please call Information and referral at 610-782-3200.
Other resources available to Pennsylvanians in need of support:
• Northampton County Crisis Hotline : 610-252-9060
• Greater Lehigh Valley Warmline 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM, 7 days a week:
610-820-8451
• Statewide Support & Referral Helpline: 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial
724-631-5600
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
• Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
• Safe2Say: 1-844-723-2729 or www.safe2saypa.org
• Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
• Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357
For any additional information, please visit the following websites:
PA Department of Health (PADOH)
PADOH has created a new Hospital Preparedness Dashboard that provides county-level information about how many beds and ventilators are in use and available to meet our health care needs. Please see the following
link.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What are the guidelines for reopening?
The CDC has recently released new Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes. Please follow the link below:
https://www.cdc.gov/…/2019-n…/community/reopen-guidance.html
When should I wear a mask?
When going to a supermarket, pharmacy or other life-sustaining business, wear a cloth mask to enter the store. Your mask will help protect our critical workers at these businesses, like cashiers, those stocking shelves + pharmacists.
People who can't wear a mask due to a medical condition + children under 2 may enter without a mask.
If a customer does not wish to wear a mask, stores must provide an alternate means of delivering goods.
Enforcement begins on Sunday, April 19 at 8 pm.
Read the full order: https://bit.ly/2ygorEb
Don’t have a cloth mask? Make one at home easily—even if you can't sew. Follow these simple instructions: bit.ly/2K71Mgj
Save the surgical masks and N95s for health care workers and first responders.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others circulating among animals, including camels, cats and bats.
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
As of March 30, 2020 the CDC announced period of exposure risk has changed from “onset of symptoms” to “48 hours before symptom onset”
How can the coronavirus spread?
Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold:
• 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, fecal contamination.
How can I help protect myself?
Prevention
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• Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Clean surfaces frequently, including counter tops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.
• Contain: if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
I am an employee and I work at a company where an employee has tested positive for COVID-19. What is the role of the Bethlehem Health Bureau?
If a Bethlehem resident tests positive for COVID-19, the Bethlehem Health Bureau interviews the individual to determine who they were in close contact with since showing symptoms. As part of that interview, we review work and school status. If the person is employed by a business that is open to the public, we provide that information to the general community. If it is a private employer, we work with the employer to notify close contacts of the positive case. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has a toolkit for businesses related to COVID-19 and we provide this information to employers as well.