The number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. continues to grow.
Novant Health is prepared to care for patients who may have come into contact with infectious diseases, including the novel coronavirus. The most common coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, here are a few best practices on how to react.
1. Use our online assessment tool.
Novant Health has launched an online coronavirus (COVID-19) self-assessment tool. While it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, it’s a good place to start.
2. Make a phone call.
If you are experiencing symptoms of fever (temperature higher than 100.4), cough and shortness of breath, we ask that you call your health care provider before driving to a clinic.
Alternatively, use our 24/7 helpline if you are experiencing symptoms and have questions on how to best seek care. Please call 1-877-499-1697 or 1-877-9NOVANT.
3. Visit a screening center if told to get tested.
Novant Health has set up four screening centers to prepare for the potential influx of patients related to the coronavirus. Screening centers are specifically for patients who called their primary care clinic or the helpline and were told to come to a screening center for testing. Click here to find a screening center.
Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care Centers are also screening patients for coronavirus. To find the closest Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care Center, click here .
During a screening, a provider will determine whether you meet the criteria outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further evaluation, sample collection and testing. People who do not have symptoms will not be tested.
4. Visit a triage tent.
If you cannot visit your primary care provider, Novant Health has taken the proactive measure to stand up triage tents outside of the emergency rooms at our three largest hospitals – Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. These triage tents will be used to screen patients with respiratory and other viral symptoms. Patients will be evaluated and then directed to the most appropriate venue of care.
Keep in mind, the CDC does not recommend testing if you are asymptomatic. For more information, please visit our website.