Information about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on Jan. 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s webpage.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection commonly include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Sore throat also has been reported in some patients. This novel coronavirus has the potential to cause severe pneumonia and death. Risk factors for severe illness are not yet clear, although older patients and those with chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness. More information:

• What to do if you have or might have coronavirus disease. (PDF)
• What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease but have not been around someone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus disease. (PDF)
• What to do if you think you were exposed to someone with coronavirus disease. (PDF)

How can I help protect myself and my family?

People can help protect themselves and their families from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions. Simple steps for COVID prevention.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Try to stay separated from others, if you can.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Learn the proper way to wash your hands.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Most importantly, wear a mask.
• In addition, the CDC provides information on preparing your household to respond to COVID-19.
• Read 5 Tips for Coronavirus Safety.

COVID-19 testing

Testing is available across North Texas. Below is testing information for Parkland patients as well as other locations for anyone who might need it. More information available here.

Two testing sites are offered in the Dallas area. No appointment is needed. The sites are open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. or until the testing limit is reached.

Locations:
Ellis Davis Field House 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas, TX 75232
Eastfield College 3737 Motley Dr. Mesquite, Texas 75150

Testing for Parkland patients
Parkland offers COVID-19 testing by appointment only for current Parkland patients who meet the medically necessary criteria with a Parkland physician’s order. Parkland patients can contact the COVID-19 Patient Line at 214-590-8060. At this time, this service is only available to current Parkland patients. Unscheduled, drop-in appointments for the general public will not be available at this time.

Texas testing sites
Additional testing sites throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across Texas can be found from Texas Health and Human Services. 

What is Parkland doing?

Parkland stands prepared to receive patients with COVID-19. Extensive planning has been done to address staffing and resources, as well as operational processes.

Parkland continues to work with Dallas County Health & Human Services (DCHHS) to coordinate testing for COVID-19 and follow appropriate infection prevention protocols and required quarantine standards.

Visitation policy
Parkland no longer allows visitors on the main campus. Exceptions are:

• End-of-life (immediate family only, maximum of five)
• Labor and delivery as well as Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Pediatric (children’s) burn care

We strongly recommend children under the age of 18 NOT enter a Parkland facility. However, given the many area school closures, we will allow children to accompany their parents to outpatient clinic visits ONLY. Please encourage the families to keep a close distance to each other.

Community events
To keep our patients and staff safe, Parkland has canceled upcoming patient classes, childbirth tours, support groups, health fairs and other activities for community members. This is a necessary step to ensure the health of our community.

Plasma donation
Learn more about how plasma donations are being explored as a possible “emergency use” therapy for select critically ill COVID-19 positive patients.

Where can I go to learn more?

• The CDC has extensive information to educate yourself about COVID-19 and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you. Click here to learn more. 
  
• Dallas County Health and Human Services
El departamento de salud del condado de Dallas