BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - Northampton County’s drive-through COVID-19 testing and vaccination site closed permanently at the end of the day Friday.
Representatives for both Northampton County and its partner, Lehigh Valley Health Network, cited an improving pandemic outlook and fewer people seeking testing and vaccines as the main reasons for the closure.
- Northampton County's drive-through COVID testing and vaccination site closed permanently Friday
- For walk-in COVID testing, visit LVHN Express Care located at 3701 Corriere Road, Suite 14 in Easton; or Coordinated Care On Demand at 2300 Highland Avenue in Bethlehem.
- COVID vaccines will be available by appointment on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Hecktown Oaks campus in Lower Nazareth Township. To schedule, call 833-584-6283
“The volume that has been coming in for testing and vaccinations has diminished significantly as the COVID situation has continued to improve throughout the region,” said LVHN spokesman Brian Downs.
The drive-through center had been open for months at the Coordinated Health building at 3100 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township.
In its absence, the county is directing residents to two existing LVHN Express Care walk-in clinics for free testing, and another site open two Thursdays a month for free vaccinations. To receive service at no cost, bring an insurance card or photo ID showing residence in Northampton County.
“That doesn’t mean it’s over, but things have gotten better.”Brian Downs, spokesman for Lehigh Valley Health Network
The change will substantially reduce the number of days the county offers free vaccines to its uninsured residents, from five days a week to the second and fourth Thursday of each month, while expanding county-covered testing to weekends.
For the chosen sites, little will change.
Hecktown Oaks has been offering vaccines twice a month since August, while the walk-in clinics offering testing will continue to treat patients for ailments like sprained ankles and the flu.
Lehigh Valley Health Network also offers free vaccines at other sites throughout the Lehigh Valley through a different program that doesn’t require Northampton County residence.
