For example, choosing urgent care over the emergency department for symptoms like fever, persistent dry cough, or shortness of breath may make all the difference for our healthcare workers and the most vulnerable on our communities.

If you have symptoms and suspect you have been exposed:

• DO NOT go to the emergency department for a test.
• Contact your primary care doctor.
• If you do not have one, call the closest urgent care.
• If you qualify for testing – your doctor will provide further instruction. 

Mildly ill patients should be encouraged to stay home (self-isolate) and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance about clinical management. Patients who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immuno-compromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness.

For additional information, please contact your primary care doctor or closest urgent care center. Again, do not arrive to a hospital or emergency department without a doctor’s referral for testing.

The most important thing we can all do now is to continue prevention measures:

• Follow social distancing procedures outlined by local and state governments.
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm.
• Stay home from work/ school/ activities if you are feeling ill.
• If you are a high-risk individual, please review these extra precautions.

For more information about COVID-19 visit: https://healthcollab.org/covid-19/. To download an Order for Performing COVID-19 testing, visit the ODH page here and click the Download button.