Pike County sees covid increase

Pike County has seen a steady increase in new COVID-19 cases over the last month with now more than 50 new cases per 100,000 population over the last 14 days (a doubling in our community since a month ago).

Similar increases have been seen in neighboring counties and across the state of Pennsylvania. This increase was predicted with more indoor congregation as temperatures drop and schools have re-opened.

In order to slow the spread and keep our businesses open, it is crucial at this time that we recommit ourselves to strict adherence to CDC recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing, wearing face coverings properly, disinfecting surfaces and hand washing.

Covid-19 virus testing is available at:

The office of Dr. Lisa Pathak (1592 PA-739, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 Phone: (570) 828-8000) Phone for an appointment

By prescription from your personal physician, at LabCorp or Quest clinical laboratories (multiple nearby locations)

Walmart (220 Route 6 and 209 Milford PA)- Register online for an appointment (https://corporate.walmart.com/covid19testing)

Home testing from LabCorp (https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/at-home-test-kits/covid-19-test)

Even frequent viral testing is no substitute for physical distancing and other means of reducing community spread. If you are ill or have come in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 you should self-isolate for 14 days.

Lastly, CDC is stressing the importance of the flu vaccine this year. The CDC website states:

“Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients.“ (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/protect-your-health.html)

Our Pike County Community has done well over the past few months, but this recent increase is a warning sign. How we respond in the coming days and weeks will greatly affect how much of a “second wave” of Covid-19 we will experience in our area.

Thank you for taking the steps necessary to protect your community, your family and yourself.

Sean Strub

Milford Mayor