COVID-19 testing is an important public health tool. To date, Prime Healthcare hospitals have tested over 290,000 patients for COVID-19. If you think you may have COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider to get information on testing facilities.
If you are in need of urgent medical care, please do not be afraid to seek care at a hospital. Prime Healthcare hospitals, with the collaboration of state and county-level Departments of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have implemented enhanced safety measures including robust infection control policies and procedures in place to keep our employees, clinical staff, physicians, patients, and communities safe.
Our nearly 50,000 employees and physicians across the country have all met the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic with unparalleled courage, strength and empathy. We extend our deepest gratitude to all frontline workers who continue to give so much of their time and effort to keep us well and safe.
Screening and Visitor Policies
Prime Healthcare hospitals and clinics have implemented additional screening processes and have updated visitor policies to support physical distancing. Entry points may be limited to the Emergency Department and main entrance at most facilities.
Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. For most people, COVID-19 symptoms are mild and go away on their own. But if you have a weakened immune system, or have an underlying health condition, you have a higher risk of developing serious symptoms. It’s important you take additional precautions such as practicing social distancing, limiting outings to populated areas, and connecting with others by telephone or using technology, instead of in-person when possible.
About Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory illness. Patients with Novel Coronavirus, have had mild to severe illness with fever, cough, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. While there is no specific treatment for Coronavirus, most infected people will recover on their own.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Screening and Visitor Policies
Prime Healthcare hospitals and clinics have implemented additional screening processes and have updated visitor policies to support physical distancing. Entry points may be limited to the ED and main entrance at most facilities.
Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. For most people, COVID-19 symptoms are mild and go away on their own. But if you have a weakened immune system, or have an underlying health condition, you have a higher risk of developing serious symptoms. It’s important you take additional precautions such as practicing social distancing, limiting outings to populated areas, and connecting with others by telephone or using technology, instead of in-person when possible.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to do the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol hand sanitizers are also effective.
- At home, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Outside your home, put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick (except to get medical care). Keep sick children home from school.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you use a tissue, wash your hands afterward.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- See additional guidance from the CDC or visit your local health department website.
