If you have been in New York City or exposed to someone who has traveled there in the past 14 days, you may be at heightened risk for contracting coronavirus (COVID-19).

While this is not a formal declaration from a state or federal agency, the alert represents observations that Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) medical professionals have made regarding the cohort of positive COVID-19 cases in Eastern Pennsylvania.

For the safety of patients and colleagues, LVHN colleagues are being informed that if they have been in New York City or exposed to someone who has traveled there in the past 14 days, that they should take their temperature daily before reporting to work.

Symptoms of COVID-19 infection

- Fever

- Cough

- Shortness of Breath

What you should do

- Stay home if you have symptoms.

- Complete a free COVID-19 screening online or by phone (you must be in Pennsylvania to receive screening because of medical licensing regulations).

- Complete an E-Visit (questionnaire visit submitted to a provider) at: www.MyLVHN.org or your MyLVHN app

- Call the MyLVHN Nurse Information line: 1-888-402-LVHN

- Complete an LVHN Video Visit by downloading the MyLVHN app.

LVHN wants to screen patients via these technologies so that they remain in their own home and only need to leave if testing is needed. The screening helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 and it helps keep doctor’s offices open and available to provide other important care.

During the screening, if the LVHN medical professionals determine a patient has COVID-19 symptoms, the person will be directed to one of the stand-alone COVID-19 Assess and Test locations.

Patients will qualify for a test only if they have symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath). The test detects active disease and cannot determine if a patient has been exposed.

Remember to take these steps to stay healthy:

- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

- Practice social distancing.

- Know the symptoms.

Information: www. LVHN.org/covid19