“We are following strict guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include the appropriate personal protective equipment and isolation of the patient to minimize exposure to other patients and those caring for the patient,” said Matt Eiserloh, director of communications for Medical City Alliance.
There are a number of guidelines for PPE, or specialized equipment to protect against infectious materials, according to the CDC, including the use of gloves to protect hands, aprons or gowns to protect the skin; masks or respirators to protect the mouth and nose; and goggles to protect the eyes.
In addition, both Medical City Alliance and Texas Health Alliance are now offering free coronavirus screenings by phone or online.
Patients who are experiencing symptoms, have been in close contact with a patient known to have COVID-19 or have visited a high-risk country are encouraged to use Medical City Virtual Care or call the Texas Health coronavirus hotline at 682-236-7601.
Virtual care allows for screening 24/7, and appointments are not necessary. After beginning the process, if an individual is deemed low-risk based on a screening assessment, they can continue a virtual visit for a $45 fee.
Another option for Tarrant County-area residents is Urgent Care for Kids, which is now serving COVID-19 patients of all ages. Clinics are PPE-equipped and ready for COVID-19 testing as of April 3, according to a company statement.
Patients at Urgent Care for Kids must first go online, where they will be examined by an Urgent Care for Kids provider. Patients deemed at-risk for COVID-19 may be medically recommended for testing and will be directed to the nearest testing-ready clinic. The patient will call the clinic when they arrive, and Urgent Care for Kids staff in full PPE will conduct a test at the patient’s vehicle. Test results will be available within 48-72 hours or as lab testing capacity allows, according to the Urgent Care website.
General information and additional resources on COVID-19 testing can be found at www.211texas.org or by calling 211. A statewide list of drive-thru testing sites from the Texas Department of State Health Services can be accessed here.
