Coronavirus Continues Spread in Neighboring Communities, North Penn Remains at One Positive

Keith Heffintrayer•

As positive tests for the COVID-19 coronavirus continue in increase in neighboring municipalities, the North Penn area still remains with only one positive patient.

No new cases were reported for the area during Thursday’s press conference with the Montgomery County Commissioners, though two new positives—a 77-year-old male and a 48-year-old male—were reported in nearby Worcester Township. Neither of the two men required hospitalization, and both men are in isolation at their homes, according to Montgomery County Commission Valerie Arkoosh.

Despite the lack of local positive tests, the county-wide number reached a total of 55—an increase of 13 positives since Wednesday afternoon—as officials enter the community spread model. At the state level, there are currently 185 positives—an increase of 52 since Wednesday—and 1608 negative tests.

“Daily [positive] counts are increasing rapidly, especially in the southeaster portion of the state,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine.

Arkoosh also announced that a drive-through testing location will become publicly available at the Temple University Ambler Campus in Upper Dublin Township beginning at 10 a.m. on March 21. In order to be tested at the location, residents must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Exhibiting a fever of at least 100.4 along with respiratory symptoms, such as a persistent dry cough
Exhibiting a fever of at least 99.6 and being age 65 or older
Healthcare workers who provide direct patient care and cannot secure testing through employer
First responders with a concern that they may have had direct exposure to a suspected COVID-19 patient

Testing will be performed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and can be scheduled via appointment only. Appointments can be made online by clicking here (beginning on March 20) or via phone by calling 610-631-3000 after 8 a.m. on March 21. Individuals who do not meet the criteria will be turned away, and the location is for drive-through testing only and will not include treatment of any kind, according to officials.

Arkoosh said that the restrictions are in place due to the scarcity of tests and supplies, but said that the criteria for testing may change over time as more supplies become available.

For younger, generally healthy people who may have mild symptoms, self-isolation is currently recommended, Arkoosh said.

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