COVID-19 News

Coronavirus cases have spiked over the past few weeks — nationally and locally — putting people at risk for long COVID. The condition can have people feeling tired and sick for more than three months.

The Wicked Chef, a fast-casual restaurant serving sandwiches, salads and sides, reopened July 2 after closing due to the pandemic.

County Executive Lamont McClure said the closings mark the end of a significant chapter in the county’s COVID-19 response. More than 3.5 million cases and 50,000 deaths in Pennsylvania have been attributed to COVID since 2020.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with journalists Stephanie Sigafoos and Brittany Sweeney.

The medication used to treat COVID-19 is widely available, but underused for treatment. Although it’s no longer free through the government, most insurances still cover the drug.

A lack of educators, a retiring generation, and a pandemic that produced stress and burnout all have contributed to the shortage of health care workers, such as nurses. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network are both focused on attracting new talent.

Early education advocates say there has been a slow erosion of the number of programs, workers and classroom slots in the Lehigh Valley, and across Pennsylvania, since federal funding expired last year.

Health systems in Philadelphia are choosing to bring back mask mandates. St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network are weighing in on what's happening locally.

Is it COVID-19, RSV, or the flu? Doctors are saying it could be any of the three or even whooping cough. Respiratory illnesses are on the rise following the holiday season and there may not be a reprieve for a while.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds said Bethlehem's strong fiscal position should allow it to continue grants funded by the American Rescue Plan, even after the federal money runs out.

State lawmakers are temporarily suspending in-person activities at the Capitol after a Republican lawmaker tested positive for the coronavirus.

New COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Pennsylvania. State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine says she is nervous about the impacts of COVID-19 in the fall and winter seasons.

The state has completed baseline testing for COVID-19 at nursing homes, and is planning to expand to other groups.

WLVR Community Correspondent Genesis Ortega spoke about the higher risk group disparities with Lehigh Valley Health Network Doctor, Orlando Penaloza.

The Wolf administration is outlining plans and services in place to help families navigate back to school season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pennsylvania Health Department has unveiled the nation’s first statewide COVID-19 mobile testing unit.

Beltzville State Park in Carbon County has been a very popular spot this summer. In fact, some would say it’s too popular, as the park has been crowded with visitors from other states in the wake of the pandemic.

Governor Tom Wolf says his administration is learning better ways to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on Latinos in Pennsylvania.

Commercial passenger travel through the lehigh valley international airport dropped 70 percent this june as compared to the same time last year because of the pandemic. But as WLVR’s Ben Stemrich reports, officials say a new hangar that’s been under construction for nearly three years could bring in other flights.

The recent death of an infant in Berks County, who tested positive for COVID-19, is sparking questions about how the virus impacts the very young.

Pennsylvania homeowners and renters are protected from eviction and foreclosure until August 31.

New restrictions for restaurants and bars in Pennsylvania are now in effect, as part of Governor Wolf’s effort to mitigate a surge in coronavirus cases. Some in carbon county who believe the one-size-fits-all approach isn’t right.