Is It Safe To Go To An Emergency Room During COVID-19 Pandemic?
When you visit an urgent care facility or emergency room, you can usually expect to be in the company of other individuals who are ill or injured. While appropriate health and safety measures are always important in these situations, the current COVID-19 pandemic makes these practices more essential now than ever. Our dedicated team of board-certified emergency physicians and medical staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care understands why you may have concerns about coming to the ER during COVID-19 and is committed to ensuring the highest level of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety to ensure you can comfortably and confidently receive the exceptional care you deserve during your visit. Learn more about visiting one of our convenient ER locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX, and find out what we are doing to keep you healthy and safe in the ER during COVID-19.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 is primarily spread through the transfer of respiratory droplets from an infected person to an uninfected person (symptomatic or asymptomatic) via laughing, coughing, talking, sneezing, or direct physical contact. In some instances, COVID-19 can be contracted by touching surfaces that contain respiratory droplets from an infected person. These may include doorknobs, light switches, eating utensils, etc. To minimize your risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19, use these helpful tips:
- Maintain social distancing
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often
- Use hand sanitizer
- Avoid large gatherings, especially indoors
- Do not share food, drinks, or utensils
- Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as door handles
Will I get COVID-19 if I go to the ER?
With the tremendous amount of patients visiting local ERs for COVID-19 testing and symptom care, it is certainly natural for patients with non-COVID-19 illnesses and injuries to have concerns about seeking treatment in an emergency room. While you may feel safer at home, keep in mind that delaying your diagnosis or treatment may result in the worsening of your symptoms and/or lead to a more severe condition. Furthermore, the risk of contracting COVID-19 during an ER visit is exceedingly low, provided the facility is practicing proper safety and sanitation guidelines.
At both of our iCare ER & Urgent Care locations in Fort Worth and Frisco, we are committed to keeping patients safe and minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission during an ER visit using the following procedures and protocols:
- Prescreening all patients for COVID-19 symptoms and/or possible exposure
- Providing a dedicated entrance and treatment area for potential and/or confirmed COVID-19 patients
- Sterilizing each room after every patient, using the most current, state-of-the-art electrostatic sprayers
- Adhering to CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, PPE-wearing, hand-washing, cleaning surfaces, etc.
- Offering virtual telehealth appointments when appropriate
Are regular ER services still available during COVID-19?
Yes. We are proud to continue providing a full array of emergency and urgent care services in Frisco and Fort Worth with normal hours of operation and no need for an appointment, including diagnosis and treatment for the following concerns or conditions:
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Stroke symptoms
- Heart attack symptoms
- Pregnancy complications
- Allergic reactions
- Burns or lacerations
- Eye injuries
- Flu symptoms
- Flu vaccine
- UTI
- Strep throat
Additionally, Frisco and Fort Worth COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients is available by appointment.
Don’t be scared of going to your nearest emergency room during COVID-19
At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we fully understand your concerns about emergency room safety during the coronavirus pandemic. However, a trip to the ER may save your life. If you are experiencing signs or symptoms that you think warrant an ER visit, don’t hesitate to go to your nearest ER in Frisco or Fort Worth. You can rest assured that our outstanding team of board-certified physicians and staff are implementing the highest standards possible to keep you and your family healthy and safe during your visit.
To learn more about COVID-19, including where to get a COVID-19 test in Fort Worth and Frisco, click here.
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