Coronavirus Waves: Emergency and Urgent Care Is a Priority

Coronavirus cases continue to rise in many areas, leading to what feels like a another wave of COVID-19. Experts anticipate that we’ll see subsequent waves of COVID-19 cases until we have a vaccine, or achieve broad immunity across the population, which might not occur for at least a year or more.

Where the waves will happen is difficult to predict because people who have no symptoms can still spread the virus. With this knowledge in mind, it’s important to remain responsible for your health and safety — including getting medical care when you need it.

There’s a Safe Way to Get the Care You Need

In our new normal way of life, continue practicing all the safety steps you know while moving forward with any care you need. If you or someone in your family needs emergency or urgent health care, don’t delay getting medical attention out of fear of COVID-19.

Know that there’s a safe way to get medical help: Every AdventHealth facility has made extra safety precautions part of their new normal for your family’s protection. We are well-equipped to handle rises in coronavirus cases in your community while meeting your needs and keeping you protected.

Don’t Delay Care for Emergency and Urgent Issues

For emergency health issues like chest pain, bleeding that won’t stop or difficulty breathing, call 911 right away to be taken to your closest emergency department. These are life-threatening problems that can’t wait. And urgent health issues like broken bones, ear infections or sports injuries may become more serious problems if we don’t help you promptly.

With these health concerns, you need to be seen by a physician as soon as possible, and you can rest assured that all of our facilities have your protection top of mind during your in-person ER visit or virtual urgent care visit.

Emergency Care Services

Remember that we know how to keep you safe in an emergency. If you have a serious health issue that is life-threatening or harmful if not seen by a physician right away, call 911 immediately.

For example, if you or a loved one has heart attack symptoms, such as pain in the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or stroke symptoms, such as sudden loss of vision, numbness or slurred speech, emergency care is life-saving and entirely necessary. Feel confident that we have special precautions in place to keep you safe if you need to come in for care.

Virtual Care for Urgent Health Needs

We can care for some urgent health problems, such as pink-eye, acid reflux or lower back pain, in a virtual visit. Use the AdventHealth App to schedule a virtual visit to get expert virtual care in the comfort of your own home. Your physician or a nurse practitioner may be able to assess your symptoms in a virtual visit and guide your care from there.

Our New Normal: Extra Precautions Keep You Protected During In-Person Care

When you need care at any of our facilities, you can be confident that you’ll be protected — from before you walk in, to the waiting room to the exam room and beyond. We continue to operate our facilities with extra safety measures we put into place. Today, these precautions have become our new normal, as keeping you protected is our priority.

Screenings for Everyone Upon Arrival

Everyone — our team members, patients and visitors — has their temperature checked and is asked screening questions upon arrival. You can trust that all our care team members and physicians are healthy as they care for you.

Separate Care Areas for Anyone With COVID-19 Symptoms

If anyone appears to have coronavirus symptoms when they meet our screening team at the entrance, they’ll be cared for in an entirely separate wing of our facility for everyone’s protection. We take extra precautions to be sure that anyone who has signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is cared for separately from other patients and guests.

Face Masks for All

All staff, patients and visitors must wear face masks over the nose and mouth. If you don’t have a cloth face covering, we’re happy to provide you with one when you check in.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone should wear a cloth face covering in public settings to help slow the spread of respiratory viruses.

Keep in mind that face masks are not recommended for people who are having difficulty breathing, are unconscious or are unable to remove them without assistance. They should also not be used by children under age 2.

Fresh, New Supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for All Staff

All AdventHealth care team members and physicians are wearing medical-grade masks and gloves when caring for patients. We also have plenty of personal protective equipment on hand for those working in emergency rooms, such as additional face shields and gowns. Our PPE is refreshed as often as necessary, and our team members wear fresh masks, gloves and other equipment each day.

Continuous Cleaning and Disinfecting

We are cleaning and disinfecting our lobbies and patient rooms continuously throughout the day. We are also sanitizing high-touch surfaces, such as elevator buttons, light switches and door handles.

Social Distancing Measures

To help everyone practice social distancing, we have re-arranged our waiting rooms to ensure people stay 6 feet apart, using floor markings and indicating which chairs are off-limits.

In Any Emergency, We’re Here to Serve You While Keeping You Safe

Nothing matters more to us than you and your family members receiving the right care at the right time. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away to get immediate medical attention. To stay prepared for any emergency, find your closest AdventHealth ER or urgent care. And visit our Coronavirus Resource Hub for up-to-date information and other resources on COVID-19.