What Are HonorHealth’s COVID-19 Test Protocols?
HonorHealth is among the facilities providing testing for COVID-19, but people cannot walk in and expect to be tested, nor should anyone who thinks they might have the disease walk in to any healthcare facility, according to HonorHealth and other healthcare experts. Facilities need to know when a potential COVID-19 patient is coming so they can prepare to safeguard staff and other patients.
HonorHealth operates an urgent care facility in Anthem and an emergency center on Dove Valley Road. In&Out Publications asked the company about criteria for COVID-19 testing. The answer, provided in a statement: “If you have the following symptoms—fever over 100.4, cough, shortness of breath—please call the nurse line at 480-587-6200, so that we can direct you to the most appropriate place for care.”
If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.
“People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home,” HonorHealth states on its coronavirus information page. “Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.” Adding: “Please do not go to the emergency department for testing.”
Increasingly, scientists around the country and around the world are finding that symptoms of COVID-19 can range from nearly nonexistent to mild to severe, and affect all adults, including young adults.
Trips to the emergency room should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies, the company says.
COVID-19 tests done at an HonorHealth facility could take up to five days for results to be returned. The company did not respond to questions about exactly how it is determined who will be tested, nor which facilities perform the tests.
As of March 25, Arizona had 401 cases of the disease and six deaths, figures that have been rising daily. The first known case in Anthem, in the Country Club, was announced March 21.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state and local health officials, encourage people to stay home as much as possible, avoid large, crowded gatherings, and keep 6 feet away from others as much as possible. Wash hands for 20 seconds, scrubbing with soap and water, and sanitize doorknobs, counters and other frequently touched surfaces. The CDC has information on how to protect yourself here.
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