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What is novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It was first discovered in December of 2019.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe and can lead to death. The most common symptoms are:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue to update this list as more is known about COVID-19.

How do I know if I have COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu. Learn more about the differences. You can also evaluate your symptoms using our online assessment tool. Ultimately, you may need a test to determine if you have COVID-19. Generally, your doctor will make that determination.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms listed above, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home. Please call your healthcare provider’s office before arriving or scheduling an appointment to determine the appropriate care setting and testing process. Your visit may be eligible for a video visit.

Call 911 if you have emergency signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

How can I help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Health experts recommend these everyday preventive actions, including:

• Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth.
• Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from people outside of your household.
• Washing your hands often.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Following the CDC's guidelines for protecting yourself and others.

How can I keep myself and my family safe during the holidays?

The safest holiday celebrations are those that include only the people you are normally around, such as your immediate family. Sitting down for a meal or gathering with people outside your household can easily spread this virus, even if everyone feels well at the time.
Read the advice of PeaceHealth infection prevention experts on how to celebrate safely.

Is PeaceHealth conducting pre-screening measures to protect patients and caregivers at PeaceHealth facilities?

Yes, upon arriving at any PeaceHealth location, everyone will receive a symptom and temperature check. Anyone with an elevated temperature will be connected with appropriate care.

Has PeaceHealth limited visitors to its hospitals and clinics?

Yes. For the safety and well-being of our patients and caregivers, we are currently restricting visitors and non-essential individuals who enter our facilities. Exceptions are made for certain circumstances. Specific visitor requirements for PeaceHealth facilities are posted in the "Visitor restrictions' section on our website.

Does PeaceHealth have plans to address high surges of COVID-19 patients?

Yes. Our plans include significant increases in our ability to provide critical care, including increased staffing, supplies and space. We have dedicated areas for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients within our facilities. We are also actively monitoring hospital volumes and capacity and working with the county and local healthcare systems to adjust as cases fluctuate.

Does PeaceHealth have availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for its caregivers?

Yes. We have sufficient PPE for our caregivers across our health system, including masks, gloves, goggles, N95s, PAPRs and gowns. All caregivers and providers at PeaceHealth are required to wear masks, and each patient and visitor is required to wear a mask.

Does PeaceHealth provide COVID-19 testing?

Yes. We currently test all patients for active COVID-19 infection who are admitted to our hospitals regardless of symptoms. All patients receiving a procedure at our PeaceHealth facilities are automatically contacted for COVID-19 screening prior to their procedure. We also offer testing in our PeaceHealth Medical Group clinic and urgent care locations to those with symptoms or concerns about an active COVID-19 infection. Tests must be pre-authorized by a physician.

Does PeaceHealth provide antibody testing?

PeaceHealth is offering COVID-19 antibody testing to patients through PeaceHealth Medical Group following a visit with a provider. Also known as serology testing, COVID-19 antibody testing looks to see whether your immune system has responded to the infection. It’s important to know that even if the body has produced antibodies against the virus, it is not yet proven that these antibodies can fight off future infections of the COVID-19 virus, and if even if they can, for how long. Therefore, it’s important to continue to follow all infection prevention measures such as wearing a mask, hand washing and social distancing even if you have a positive result.