Geisinger is committed to the safety and well-being of our patients, members, employees and communities. Check this page for the latest information regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19).As concerns arise about the new strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, Geisinger is here to provide community members reliable answers to any questions they may have. On this page, you’ll find the latest updates and a list of frequently asked questions to help understand the facts about COVID-19.
Geisinger has set up a dedicated, 24/7 coronavirus hotline for those with questions about care recommendations and more at 570-284-3657.
Visitor restrictions related to COVID-19
To continue to protect our patients and members, their families and our Geisinger family from possibly contracting COVID-19, visitation in our hospitals and clinics is being limited. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath), here’s what to do:
- For non-essential visitors (including vendors): Please do not visit patients in the hospital until you’re well.
- For essential visitors (i.e. parents, spouses, primary caregivers): Please wear a mask at all times on hospital premises. Just ask for a mask from a Guest Services associate or at the front desk at our clinics or hospitals.
- For patients with scheduled appointments: Please wear a mask at all times on hospital premises. You do not need to cancel your appointment. Just ask for a mask from our Guest Services associate or at the front desk.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide a safe environment for our communities.
VENDORS: Please see a message about vendor partner visit restrictions.
Coronavirus Resource Center
Geisinger coronavirus hotline (24/7)
570-284-3657
Updates on coronavirus
CDC COVID-19
Travel advisories
CDC
Learn more
Geisinger Coronavirus update: Gerald Maloney, DO Chief Medical Officer
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: What do we know about Coronavirus?
A: Coronavirus is a group of diverse, common viruses that includes some causes of the common cold. The new strain that originated in China is called SARS CoV 2 and causes COVID-19. COVID-19 can present with symptoms between two and 14 days following exposure. Symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu with fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Currently, the risk of getting COVID-19 in the United States is extremely low. To date, a significant majority of the world’s COVID-19 cases have been contained to Hubei Province, China and mainland China.
Q: How is coronavirus spread?
A: Human coronaviruses spread the same way the flu or a cold does:
- Droplets traveling through the air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it
- Though the virus RNA can be found in stool samples, spreading through feces is not likely
Q: What symptoms should I be on the lookout for?
A: COVID-19 can present with symptoms between two and 14 days following exposure. Symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu with fever, cough and shortness of breath, and can range from a mild cough to severe pneumonia.
Q: What should I do if I have these symptoms?
A: If you’re experiencing symptoms you think may be related to COVID-19, the first step is to contact your primary care physician. They can recommend proper treatment and, if necessary, notify public health officials.
Geisinger patients can find their primary care clinic’s phone number here or message their care team by signing in to the myGeisinger patient portal.
Q: Who is at most risk for contracting a severe case of coronavirus?
A: Anyone can contract COVID-19, but to date, severe cases have mostly been limited to the elderly and those with existing chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory disease.
Q: What can I do to prevent the spread of coronavirus?
A: Precautionary measures for COVID-19 are similar to those of other viruses like the flu. The best way to stay healthy is through diligent respiratory hygiene:
- Frequent handwashing is highly recommended, especially after coughing or visiting public areas.
- Alcohol-based sanitizers and wipes are also good options for hand hygiene, as long as they have at least 60% alcohol.
- Covering your mouth when coughing is an important way to stop the spread of viruses like COVID-19 and others that are spread through droplets.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects with disinfectant household wipes or sprays.
Most importantly, if you are feeling sick or showing signs of an illness, we recommend acting with an abundance of caution and staying home from work or school.
Q: Is masking an effective way to prevent getting coronavirus?
A: There’s no evidence to support that masking is any more or less effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 than it is for any other respiratory virus. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. If you visit the doctor with a cough, you should request a mask to cover your nose and mouth.
Q: Should I be preparing an emergency stockpile of food, water, and medicine?
A: While the overall risk for COVID-19 in the United States remains low, preparedness of medications to help symptoms and liquids to help with hydration that would normally take place during this time of year for the flu or norovirus is a general good practice.
Q: What should I do about upcoming travel, both internationally and domestically?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is regularly updating travel recommendations as the COVID-19 circumstances evolve. Visit the CDC website to receive the most up-to-date recommendations for travel.
Q: What does Geisinger recommend for people returning from countries of concern?
A: We recommend following CDC guidelines and best practices, which can be found on the CDC COVID-19 website.
Q: Should I cancel my upcoming appointments?
A: At Geisinger, we follow CDC best practices and guidelines for infection control and prevention so our facilities remain safe at all times. There is no need to avoid any clinics or hospitals to seek scheduled or emergency care.
Q: How is Geisinger preparing for potential coronavirus cases?
A: Geisinger continues to monitor the novel coronavirus situation and follow guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and CDC.
Teams from Geisinger have been regularly meeting since January. These groups are working on topics such as staff training and education, personal protective equipment, communications, employee health and exposures, and more.
We’re prepared and trained to safely treat our communities in any public health concern, including COVID-19.
Q: What would lead Geisinger to test for COVID-19?
A: Geisinger is following CDC guidelines for testing. If a person meets CDC criteria for symptoms and/or travel history, we will contact local health officials to arrange for COVID-19 testing.
Q: Is Geisinger testing for coronavirus?
A: No. Currently, only government agencies can perform confirmatory testing.
Q: How is Geisinger protecting its employees from contracting coronavirus?
A: Geisinger follows CDC guidelines for personal protective equipment and infection control that includes proper gowning, masking and more. Geisinger teams have been meeting since January so that our staff is prepared to safely and effectively care for a person with COVID-19.
Q: How will Geisinger Health Plan cover the cost of coronavirus tests or treatments?
A: Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) wants to ensure that cost is not a barrier to testing for COVID-19. In an effort to address the spread of COVID-19, GHP will cover any out-of-pocket fees for coronavirus testing at an approved laboratory location for all our members who meet the CDC guidelines for testing. Learn more.
