FAQ
What do if I think I’m infected with COVID-19 (coronavirus)? If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as a cough or have difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider before leaving your house. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
What if I don’t have any symptoms, can I transmit the disease? The answer is likely yes. This virus can spread from infected individuals who have no symptoms at all. That is why it is imperative that you follow the stay at home order currently in place. If you must leave the house, you must wear a mask.
Who do I call if I have questions? If you have general health questions related to COVID-19, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. If you have questions related to obtaining food, shelter and other services, dial 2-1-1.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19? Starting Tuesday, June 9, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health will offer testing weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Downtown Pavilion, 540 N. Duke St. — across the street from Lancaster General Hospital — and weekday evenings and weekends at Duke Street Urgent Care, which is in the pavilion. Lancaster General’s other outdoor testing location at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences will remain open with unchanged hours.
UPMC will move its COVID-19 testing services to the UPMC Imaging Center of Lancaster at 924 Red Rose Court in Lancaster.
What do I do if I need food and can’t afford it? To get live help with resources like assistance with food, housing and child care, dial 2–1–1 to be connected to local resources and support.
Your neighbors are here to help. Sign up to receive a check-in call from a neighbor in your community by texting or calling 717-928-8498 or using this form. If you would like to volunteer to check up on a neighbor in need, sign up here.
Do I need to wear a mask? Yes. Beginning Sunday, April 19 at 8 p.m., businesses that serve the public in a building or defined area have been ordered by Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine to require all customers to wear masks while on premises, and deny entry to individuals not wearing masks. If the business is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, the business must provide alternative methods of pick-up or delivery for those who cannot enter because they are not wearing a mask.
If you need instructions on how to make a mask at home, follow the instructions here: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#UniversalMasking
How do I apply for unemployment? If you are laid off or out of work due to COVID-19, you are likely eligible for unemployment compensation. Visit https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/ for more information and to file a claim.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
What if I am struggling with my mental health? Text PA to 741-741 for free and confidential help, available 24/7.
How long will the “Stay At Home” order last? Lancaster County is currently in the yellow phase, with slightly loosened restrictions. Visit our Phase Yellow FAQ for more information.
What can I do to help stop the spread of COVID-19?
Wear a mask when leaving your home.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, do not use your hands!
Clean surfaces frequently, such as counter tops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.
If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.