Montco Expands Coronavirus Testing With Tents In Lower Providence

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — Public health officials have established large inflatable tents in Lower Providence to expand Montgomery County's coronavirus response.

The tents, easily visible and quite noticeable to passerby, raised questions from the community early Thursday as they were set up. They're located in the parking lot of the former Audubon Elementary School, on 2765 Egypt Road, police said.

>>Gov. Wolf Orders Montco Schools Closed Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Four new cases of coronavirus were found in Montgomery County on Thursday, bringing the county total to 13. There are 21 cases confirmed in the state, including a Lower Providence police officer.

Testing is not currently active in this location, as a statement from authorities indicated that the tents will support "expanded COVID-19 testing capabilities, should the need arise in the future."

>>Montgomery County Coronavirus Cases Rise To 13

"County officials have confirmed that this pre-positioning of assets is simply part of a contingency plan that is not operational at this time," police noted.

Nearby, Perkiomen Valley School District announced they would be shut down from March 13 through March 17. Other new school closures in Montgomery County Thursday include Wissahickon's announcement that they will dismiss early Friday, and Manor College's decision to close campus for two weeks.

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The National Basketball Association announced Wednesday night it is suspending the season indefinitely after a multiple players tested positive for the virus.

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