EASTON, Pa. - COVID-19 is officially in the Lehigh Valley as Northampton County has reported its first presumed case of COVID-19.
The individual is hospitalized at St. Luke’s University Health Network's Anderson Campus. A representative says the hospital is following all established protocols and taking all safety measures to care for the patient.
Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure has a simple message for residents: stay calm, stay away and wash your hands.
“We also need to encourage people to stay away from vulnerable populations such as the elderly or folks who have immune systems that are compromised,” McClure said.
McClure says that includes people with heart disease, diabetes and lung disease -- populations have been hit hard internationally by COVID-19.
“I don't want people in the Lehigh Valley and Northampton County to be afraid. I want them to understand that the PA Dept of Health is here now and ready to help us,” McClure said.
McClure says state health officials are taking the lead on managing coronavirus in the county.