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:
How do I get the COVID-19 vaccine at Parkland?
All adults are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The more people who receive the vaccine, the quicker we can stop this pandemic. For information on how to register, visit our COVID-19 vaccine page.
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. The cost of a COVID-19 diagnostic test at Parkland is $140 (CPT code 87635). Parkland may offer a charity adjustment for self-pay individuals deciding to pay out of pocket.
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
- Dallas College - Eastfield Campus, 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 Health & Hospital System is allowing limited visitation from 2 to 8 p.m. daily in the hospital at 5200 Harry Hines Blvd. We continue to welcome a visitor or support person for some areas of the hospital. Depending on each patient’s specific circumstances, a loved one may be allowed to be present for some types of care, such as labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, end-of-life care and pediatric (children’s) care. We provide family-centered care and understand that a support person is an important part of the care team. Patients with disabilities such as cognitive disability or communication barriers (unable to speak, see or hear well), may also be allowed to have a support person with them during care or to help access care, if needed.
What hospital visitors need to know:
- Visitors MUST be on the patient’s approved visitor list to enter the hospital. Please call your loved one to make sure you are on the visitor list.
- One visitor per patient is allowed per day, during hours of 2 to 8 p.m.
- At the hospital entrance, visitors will be screened for fever, cough and any exposure to know COVID+ persons within the last 14 days. Visitors with any positive responses will not be allowed to visit.
- All visitors are required to wear a mask, which will be given at the front by a Guest Services member. Visitors are expected to cover their nose and mouth at all times. Visitors not wearing their mask correctly may be asked to leave the hospital.
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?