Northampton County

Fuel assistance offered

The Northampton County Area Agency on Aging will begin its Emergency Fuel Assistance Program on Nov. 1, 2022. This program is for once-a-season fuel assistance of $780.

In order to be eligible, an individual needs to be 60-years of age or older, reside in Northampton County, and have already applied for and received or been denied Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits. Their fuel tank needs to be at 1/4 full or less. For assistance with gas or electric heat, a shut-off notice is required.

To apply, contact the Northampton County Information & Referral Emergency Services 610-559-3270 or 610-829-4800.

When a referral is received, a Northampton County Area Agency on Aging staff person will schedule a home visit to determine eligibility.

Coroner’s report

Between Jan. 1 and Oct. 2, the Northampton County Coroner recorded 188 COVID-19 related deaths in Northampton County (169 Residents/19 Non-Residents).

“Cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported in our area. Unfortunately, the pandemic is not yet over,” says Lamont McClure. “I encourage anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted and to wear a mask and practice social distancing when in the presence of someone who is vulnerable to infection.”

County prison COVID update

Norco’s Director of Corrections reports that, as of Oct. 24, there are no cases of COVID-19 among inmates or staff at Northampton County Prison (NCP).

Since the start of the pandemic, 480 inmates have tested positive; 480 have finished their quarantine periods or are no longer at NCP.

“NCP staff and administrators are doing a great job preventing transmission of the virus within the facility,” says Lamont McClure. “However, cases continue to be reported in our area. Everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated and boosted and take precautions whenever they’re around someone who might be vulnerable to the virus.”