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Home / Health Bureau / Communicable Diseases / Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Bethlehem Health Bureau is actively monitoring the situation and working very closely with the PA Department of Health.

Both health networks have established hotlines for coronavirus questions, including symptom and treatment guidance. They are strongly encouraging the public to utilize these hotlines before heading into emergency rooms or urgent cares. The health networks currently have test kits that can and will be used when deemed medically relevant and are expecting more shipments in coming days. For both these hotlines, nurses will be assessing symptoms in accordance with the most recent CDC guidelines.

LVHN Hotline: (888) 402-LVHN (5846), will direct to the new myLVHNrn system to begin the screening process.

St. Luke's Hotline: 1 (866) STLUKES (866) 785- 8537, select option 7 to begin the screening. Email Address: coronavirus@sluhn.org

 
covid-19 Vaccine clinic dates and registration

Currently vaccinating phase 1A. You must be in 1A to be eligible to receive the vaccine. To determine your eligibility, click on the following link

To schedule an appointment for your FIRST DOSE ONLY, click on the following upcoming clinic dates. Once you receive your first dose, you will receive an email to schedule your second dose.  You CANNOT schedule both doses at the same time. 
(Must use Chrome or Firefox)
Due to limited vaccine supply, the Bethlehem Health Bureau is prioritizing appointments for City of Bethlehem residents, Northampton and Lehigh County residents as well as individuals living in a county without a health department.  If you live in a county with a health department, please contact your respective health department to schedule an appointment.

The Bethlehem Health Bureau will be adding appointments for first doses to their vaccine clinics next week.  Appointments will be released Friday morning at 8:00 a.m.  
 
A small number of phone call appointments will be available by calling 610-865-7083. Phone appointments are only for individuals from the City of Bethlehem and Northampton County who are over 65 years of age AND LACK INTERNET OR COMPUTER ACCESS. Please do not call before 8:00 a.m. on Friday as no appointments will be taken before that time.
 
Additional appointments will be released every Friday for the following week’s clinics if vaccine supply allows.

Upcoming Clinics:
All appointments for Tuesday, March 2, 2021 are full 
All appointments for Thursday, March 4, 2021 are full 




People ages 16-64 with high risk conditions include:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD
• Down Syndrome 
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
• Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 

covid-19 Vaccine


COVID-19 Vaccine

For information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please see the following link

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Survey

City of Bethlehem resident survey 

Health Care Provider survey

 

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
 

City of Bethlehem COVID-19 data

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.
Contact Tracing


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 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.
 

close contact information and guidelines 

For the most recent information on close contact guidelines, please see the following link

 

Testing Sites and Information

 

Agency   Location   Phone   Requirements
LVHN 2300 Highland Ave
Bethlehem, PA 18020		 610-849-0691 Call or downlaod app for pre-screening. Provider will determine if test is needed
LVHN  3100 Emrick Blvd 
Bethlehem, PA 18020		 610-861-8080 Drive-thru for Northampton County residents with symptoms or with doctor's note. ID required
LVHN 2101 Emrick Blvd
Suite 101 C
Bethlehem, PA 18020		 610-868-0609 Call or downlaod app for pre-screening. Provider will determine if test is needed
LVHN 2649 Schoenersville Rd
Bethlehem, PA 18017		 484-884-8146 Call or downlaod app for pre-screening. Provider will determine if test is needed
St. Luke's 77 S. Commerce Way
Bethlehem, PA 18017		 484-526-3177 Pre-screening required, call or downlaod the app, drive-thru 
Health Network Labs 529 W. Broad St
Bethlehem, PA 18018		 610-625-2606 Call ahead or check-in online. House calls available ($25 for non-medically homebound patients)
Health Network Labs 3219 Schoenersville Rd
Bethlehem, PA 18017		 610-419-9758 Call ahead or check-in online. House calls available ($25 for non-medically homebound patients)
Health Network Labs 2101 Emrick Blvd
Bethlehem, PA 18020		 610-861-9000 Call ahead or check-in online. House calls available ($25 for non-medically homebound patients)
Patient First 2310 Schoenersville Rd
Bethlehem, PA 18017		 484-403-7560 Schedule appointment online, must be 5+, must meet criteria (symptomatic/work requirement/close contact)
CVS 2434 Catasauqua Rd
Bethlehem, PA 18018		 610-868-5122 Schedule appointment online and fill out registration, must be 10+, 10-16 accompanied by adult, drive-thru, ID and insurance card required
CVS 2300 Sterners Way
Bethlehem, PA 18017		 610-837-4220 Schedule appointment online and fill out registration, must be 10+ (10-16 accompanied by adult), drive-thru, ID and insurance card required


 

 

press releases

Governor Tom Wolf 

Gov. Wolf Limited-Time Mitigation Order
Sec. Levine Limited-Time Mitigation Order


City of Bethlehem

COVID-19-Press-Release-February-11-2021
COVID-19-Press-Release-February-02-2021
COVID-19-Press-Release-January-28-2021
COVID-19-Press-Release-January-06-2021
COVID-19-Press-Release-December-31-2020
COVID-19-Press-Release-December-27-2020
COVID-19-Press-Release-December-14-2020
COVID-19-Press-Release-December-08-2020

City of Bethlehem Services

All City of Bethlehem services are currently in operation. The public is encouraged to conduct as much business as possible via mail, email, online at www.bethlehem-pa.gov and by phone. The Bethlehem Service Center  can be reached at (610) 865-7000. In addition, the public is encouraged to use the drop box outside the Church Street entrance to City Hall to make bill payments.

business resources

Funding Resources


City of Bethlehem Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

•Small Business Assistance Grant Program
A second round of COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants is now available. The City will use a large portion of its CARES Act funding to award small business assistance grants of up to $10,000. Use the link to access the guidelines and apply.
 

PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
 

•Shuttered Venue Operator grants 
The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

•Targeted EIDL Advance
The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses located in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency.

  • •Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
    The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep thier workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

  • •Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
    In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. To learn more about eligibility and apply, click here

  • •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.

  • •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

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housing Resources

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.

 

 

mental health Resources


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

 

 

covid-19 resources

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) 
 

 

frequently asked questions 

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.

 

How can I help protect myself?

Prevention:

  • • 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.
    • Wear a mask: masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. Members of the public should wear homemade cloth or fabric masks and save surgical masks and N95 respirators for health care workers and first responders.
educational infographics

   
   
  
      
   
   
      
      
   
  
  
  
  
   
  

       
educational infographics (Spanish)