READING, PA— Penn State Health St. Joseph will offer COVID-19 testing from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Nov. 4 at its Downtown Campus at 145 N. 6th Street in Reading.
Patients who have been evaluated and given an order by a provider are eligible. No appointment is needed. Patients must present their doctor’s order, photo identification and insurance card, if applicable. They should enter the building at the Walnut Street entrance.
St. Joseph also offers drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the parking lot near the Red Bridge Road entrance to its Bern Township campus at 2500 Bernville Road.
COVID-19 may cause a wide range of symptoms, which may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, including:
- 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 nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Most people develop a mild illness. Some, particularly people older than 60, people with underlying health problems and pregnant women, may experience more serious illness requiring hospital care.
Penn State Health recommends that anyone who is concerned that they may have COVID-19 call their provider or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, before going to a clinic, urgent care center or emergency department. They also may use Penn State Health OnDemand, a free virtual care app, to talk directly with a provider who can evaluate their symptoms and make care recommendations. Find out more here.
