At this time, there’s no evidence of Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, in Northampton County, but Lamont McClure and the administrators at Gracedale Nursing Home are taking steps to prepare for a possible outbreak.

“There’s no reason for alarm because, as of now, Pennsylvania does not have any reported cases of the disease, but the residents at Gracedale are among our most vulnerable citizens and we’re taking every precaution to protect them,” says Lamont McClure.

Until further instructions from the CDC are received, Gracedale will use their existing plans for Outbreak Prevention and Exposure Control designed for influenza and norovirus. Unit Restrictions will be put in place for residents showing symptoms in line with Covid-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath).

Later this month, the County will send employees from key departments for training to be Designated Infection Control Officers. Each EMS and law enforcement agency must have a designated officer to manage exposure issues for members of the department and to assist with risk management as well as department member advocacy. This training will meet the requirements for the Ryan White Law, Part G, OSHA and NFPA 1581.