U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan is upset that coronavirus scams are starting to surface during the pandemic.

Houlahan said it was predictable and saddened her that it was happening.

“There are clearly predators that are preying on us and our fears during this pandemic,” she said Tuesday evening during a telephone town hall.

Houlahan said people should be aware there is no vaccine for the coronavirus, and if anyone says there is, it is a scam.

There is no at-home test available for people to purchase either, and people should be careful when donating to charities. Never give out personal information like a Social Security number, she said.

“I have been inspired by so many of you who have stepped up and given back to the community in this trying time,” she said. “But never let people take advantage of your good will. Always do your research.”

Houlahan said to stay informed of the latest scams visit www.consumer.ftc.gov.

The Chester County Democrat, who represents the 6th District that includes Reading and many southwestern communities in Berks County, was joined by Penn Medicine's Dr. Benjamin Abella, Chester County Intermediate Unit Executive Director George Fiore and Chester County Department of Aging's Carrol Harkins.

The officials answered the following questions from the public:

Senior citizens have a higher mortality rate. Is just being a senior an issue or do you have to have a pre-existing condition?

Abella said there is not a perfect answer, but it appears that age is a factor.

“People who are older, even if healthy, are at higher risk of serious illness from coronavirus,” he said.

But, he said, there are also cases of people in their 80s and 90s that have recovered from the virus.

How can I work from home and home-school my child at the same time?

Fiore said he understands families' concerns because he has three school-age children.

Chester County schools have been staggering workloads, Fiore said.

“They are setting up office hours for teachers so students don’t fall behind and they get the support they need,” he said. “All of our schools have acknowledged that this is new not only to students and teachers but also to the families. So, there’s a great deal of flexibility built in.”

My elderly neighbor has a person deliver her food and that person delivers food to several other people. Is she putting herself at a higher risk?

Abella said someone who receives a food delivery is putting themselves at a higher risk, but there are ways to mitigate that risk.

He suggested that the person delivering the food leave it at the door or on the porch, and let the person know it was delivered. Abella added that once the food container is brought in, it should be wiped down with warm, soapy water. And remember to wash your hands.

Harkins added the person could sign up for Meals On Wheels.

She said that organization is taking the precautions Abella suggested.