Section Menu

PLEASE NOTE: Friday, February 18, 2022 was the final day we posted our COVID-19 dashboard.

Important Information About COVID-19

En Español

Penn State Health is committed to keeping the public informed and helping people find the most up-to-date, reliable information about COVID-19.

COVID-19 Updates at Penn State Health

For updated information from Penn State Health about COVID-19, visit our Newsroom by clicking on the link below.

Coronavirus Updates

When to seek care

If you are experiencing symptoms below, have been in close contact with an individual that has COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19, and you think you need to be tested for COVID-19, please call your health care provider before visiting their office. You may also use Penn State Health OnDemand to meet with a provider virtually.

COVID-19 symptoms

The CDC reports that people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny rose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have the illness. It is often difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 and other illnesses, such as the flu.

Symptomatic COVID-19 testing locations for Penn State Health Patients

Patients should reach out to their primary care provider to discuss symptoms and determine whether they need testing. 

Each of the following Penn State Health locations offer symptomatic COVID-19 testing by appointment only for established patients with a provider's order. A copay will be collected at the appointment. Unless otherwise noted below, testing hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Berks County

Penn State Health offers COVID-19 testing to anyone with a doctor's order at two outpatient locations in Berks County:

Cumberland County

Dauphin County

Lancaster County

Lebanon County

Perry County

York County

Visitation Guidelines

Penn State Health has revised its patient visitation guidelines. (As of 4/18/2022)

View details

How Penn State Health is Managing COVID-19

  • With guidance from our emergency special pathogens team, Penn State Health has been able to effectively manage patients with special illnesses while safeguarding other patients, hospital visitors, health care workers and the community at large.
  • Screenings remain in place for all intake staff to identify higher-risk patients.
  • Symptomatic patients with a likelihood of COVID are directed to wait in different areas or roomed immediately.

What the Public Should Do

  • Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19, and protect against developing serious complications if you do get it. Penn State Health patients may call their primary care provider’s office to schedule an appointment in their doctor’s office or another Penn State Health primary care location. Additionally, anyone eligible can visit vaccines.gov to find where they can schedule their vaccination Regardless of your vaccination status, do not go to work if you are sick.
  • If you are sick or have been in contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19, call your health care provider for recommendations on how best to be evaluated. Do not go to a hospital, urgent care site, or outpatient clinic without calling ahead to report your concerns about possibly having COVID-19.
  • If you are not yet fully vaccinated, continue to cover your nose and mouth with a mask when around others and social distance.
  • Free virtual screenings for COVID-19 are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through our telehealth service, Penn State Health OnDemand.

For more information about symptoms, illness severity, treatment, vaccination efforts and current CDC travel warnings, visit the CDC website.