The coronavirus on Smart Talk Thursday: COVID-19 questions answered

• Scott LaMar
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades.
  
  Currently, LaMar is the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
  
  Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
  
  In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar has moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
  
  LaMar often emcees or moderates local events and has gone as far as California to emcee a national event.
  
  The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
  
  LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
  
  A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.

 AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

A couple out for walk wear protective masks on a warm afternoon in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Almost 17,000 Pennsylvanians have tested positive for the coronavirus and more than 300 people have died from the illness it causes, COVID-19.  All of the positive cases and deaths have occurred since the first week in March – a little over a month.

The spread of the virus and fallout from it have resulted in social distancing, stay-at-home orders, loss of jobs, business closures and an economic free fall.

Even though the pandemic has dominated the news for more than a month, many people still have questions about the virus and COVID-19 illness.

Smart Talk has devoted at least one program each week during the current coronavirus emergency to answering medical and health-related questions.

Appearing on Thursday’s Smart Talk is Dr. David Gasperack, DO, vice president and regional medical director, WellSpan Medical Group.

Leave a voicemail question at 1-800-729-7532 or email smarttalk@witf.org