Geisinger is taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus at all of its hospitals and clinics, including Geisinger CMC hospital in Scranton.
The health care system says people with a fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath should wear masks during appointments or while visiting patients.
Anyone who is not a parent, spouse, or primary caregiver of a patient and has a respiratory illness should stay home.
"We've been meeting on a regular basis, forming workgroups. There's a lot of things that have to go into this as far as educating staff and patients," said Dr. Stanley Martin, Geisinger infectious disease specialist.
Geisinger is starting to test patients for COVID-19 in a limited fashion focusing efforts on higher-risk patients.
"If you are concerned about the virus, please talk to us, but if you have no symptoms, please be aware we are not going to test you right now."
Dr. Martin says the coronavirus starts like a cold. The most common symptoms are fever and cough.
"Congestion, headaches, just kind of feeling blah, under the weather, just kind of generalized body aches."
If you have coronavirus symptoms, Dr. Martin says to call the hospital before you come.
"Give us that heads up so we are ready for you when you come to the clinic and can expedite the process."
When it comes to developing a vaccine, Dr. Martin estimates that it could take at least a year. Experts would need to figure out a dosage and make sure it's safe.
Dr. Martin says COVID-19 is transmitted by hand-to-hand contact as well as coughing and sneezing. That's why hand sanitizer is helpful.
"I feel pretty confident that we are ready and able to manage patients with this disease, certainly."
Masks can be found at or near the entrances of all Geisinger hospitals and clinics.