Masks required in county buildings
With COVID-19 cases surging in the region, Northampton County will reinstate its mask mandate for anyone entering one of its buildings. The mandate begins Friday.
In an announcement Thursday afternoon, county Executive Lamont McClure said anyone entering one of its buildings will be required to wear a mask and undergo a temperature check. He urged residents to get vaccinated to help stop the spread of the virus.
“It is unfortunate that the county must re-impose its facemask policy, but with the number of cases rising and the increase in hospitalizations, it is necessary to protect public health,” he said.
The mask mandate will return to the Northampton County Courthouse in Easton, the Human Services Building in Bethlehem Township, and the 911 Center and Forensics Center in Upper Nazareth Township.
Gracedale in Upper Nazareth Township, and the Northampton County Jail in Easton never ended their mask requirement. The jail has been closed to visitors. Family and loved ones are allowed to schedule visits to Gracedale.
The number of cases in Northampton County has more than doubled in the past week, going from 55 diagnoses per 100,000 residents to 120.2 cases. The jump means Northampton County now has a high level of community transmissions by federal Centers for Disease Control and Protection guidelines. The CDC recommends people wear masks indoors at this level, even for people who have been vaccinated.
Through a partnership with Coordinated Health, the county is still offering residents vaccines at a drive-thru operation at 3100 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township. The center is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Residents ages 12 and over must make an appointment, but may select from among the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
Appointments can be made at the website LVHN.org/appointments, through the MyLVHN patient portal or by calling 833-584-6283 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Residents may also receive a COVID-19 test at the same site. Appointments are not necessary for a test. Residents should bring a photo ID or an insurance card.