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The Director of Corrections reports that, as of December 7th, there is one case of COVID-19 among inmates at Northampton County Prison (NCP) and zero cases among staff.
Since the start of the pandemic, 492 inmates have tested positive; 491 have finished their quarantine periods or are no longer at NCP.
“Respiratory infections, including COVID, RSV and Influenza, are being reported in our area. With the holiday season approaching, there will be more opportunities for the viruses to spread,” says Lamont McClure. “I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted and to wear a mask when in the presence of someone who is vulnerable to infection.”
Since March 2020, NCP has conducted 10,211 tests for COVID-19 on inmates. All new inmates are tested when they come into the facility and must show a negative result before they are transferred to General Population; residents are tested when they show signs and symptoms associated with the virus. In-person visitation is prohibited. Volunteers have returned to the facility and all volunteers must be vaccinated. Inmates participating in work release or work programs within NCP must also be vaccinated. Masks are provided to any inmate who wants one.
NCP has held 58 vaccination clinics, providing 912 inmates with vaccinations and another 78 with boosters. Currently, 288 inmates in the facility are fully vaccinated and 41 have received at least one booster. Shots for inmates and staff are administered by PrimeCare Medical. The vaccinations are not compulsory and are only provided to those who request them.
There are currently 542 inmates in residence at NCP.
Virus mitigation measures for employees include masking with N-95 masks, daily temperature checks, hand sanitizer stations, increased cleaning/disinfection protocols, COVID-19 tests available at the drive-through testing center or through a personal physician, ionizer and electrostatic sprayers throughout the facility, social distancing and frequent hand washing.
The drive-through testing/vaccination clinic at 3100 Emrick Blvd in Bethlehem Township has closed.
Vaccines and boosters are available by appointment only for those age 6-months and older at the LVH-Hecktown Oaks Hospital Campus, 3780 Hecktown Road, Easton, PA between 10AM and 6PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. To schedule an appointment call the hotline 833-584-6283. The hotline is open Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-5:30PM.
Walk-in COVID-19 testing is available for County residents and County employees at: Palmer Township Express Care
3701 Corriere Road, Suite 14
Easton, PA 18045
Monday – Friday: 8AM – 8PM Saturday – Sunday: 8AM – 8PM
Coordinated Health Care on Demand 2300 Highland Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Monday – Saturday: 8AM – 5PM Sunday – Closed
A Physician’s order is not required to be tested. The drive-through site is open to everyone, but only residents of Northampton County will receive a free test if they do not have health coverage. All testing will be through Health Network Lab Medicine unless insurance requires an alternate laboratory. Participants should bring a photo ID and their insurance card, if they have one, with them to the testing site.
Information provided to TVL by:
Becky Bartlett
Deputy Director of Administration
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/
