What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Testing

As a second wave of COVID-19 cases continues to spread across South Florida, Baptist Health is commited to caring for the community, especially those with urgent and emergent healthcare needs. As the number of persons seeking COVID-19 testing increases, Baptist Health is implementing guidelines across our healthcare system aimed at keeping patients, employees, and visitors safe.

BaptistHealth Urgent Care centers, Urgent Care Express clinics and Emergency Rooms aretesting only those patients for COVID-19 (PCR Nasal Swab) if they are activelyexperiencing symptoms of the virus or meet other established criterianecessary to support operations, and to protect patients and caregivers.

Patientswho do not exhibit symptoms, but would like a COVID-19 test, should visit acommunity testing site. At all Baptist Health facilities, pre-procedurepatients and those requiring hospitalization are tested for COVID-19.

For the most up-to-date information visit the Baptit Health COVID-19resource page. Hereare answers to some commonly asked questions regarding COVID-19 testing:

Can I get tested forCOVID-19 at Baptist Health?

• Baptist HealthUrgent Care centers, Urgent Care Express clinics and Emergency Rooms aretesting ONLY those patients who are actively experiencing symptoms ofthe virus.
• Outsideprescriptions for testing are not accepted.

If you do not havesymptoms, but would like to be tested, please visit a community testing site. Below are links to COVID-19 Community Testing Sites bycounty.

Broward County Locations

Miami-Dade County Locations

Monroe County Locations

Palm Beach County Locations

What are the symptoms ofCOVID-19?

Current symptoms reported bypatients with COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness ofbreath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or bodyaches
• Headache
• New loss of tasteor smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion orrunny nose
• Nausea orvomiting
• Diarrhea

How do I help stop thespread of COVID-19?

• Wear a mask inpublic
• Practice socialdistancing; avoid contact with people who are sick
• Wash your handswith soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that is atleast 60% alcohol-based
• Avoid touchingyour eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Always cover yourmouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of yourelbow and do not spit
• Clean anddisinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Monitor yourhealth daily
• Stay home ifyou are sick

Can I see a Baptist Healthdoctor online?

Through our Baptist Health Care On Demand app, our online caregivers are prepared to follow the appropriate CDC protocols for COVID-19. Providers can answer any questions you have, evaluate your risk and provide support to relieve symptoms. Download the app or start a visit here.