Dallas-Fort Worth hospitals work to open remote COVID-19 testing sites away from ERs
In the next two to three days, remote coronavirus testing sites will be opened in North Texas in an effort to keep potentially sick patients out of emergency rooms and doctor’s offices, according to the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council.
Testing outside of an emergency room helps keep the patient from exposing others to COVID-19, said Stephen Love, president and CEO of the council.
“The tests also can be administered in a controlled environment protecting the patient and the staff administering the test,” he said in an email to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Some of the test sites will be on the hospital campus away from the emergency room, while others will be at an off-site location.”
Love did not say where those testing sites will be located or how many will open.
This is one measure, and one of the strongest, that Dallas-Fort Worth hospitals are doing to prepare for a potential spread of the coronavirus.
Some hospitals, which Love did not name, will start doing virtual screening assessments to determine if someone is a candidate for coronavirus testing before they leave their homes. Love did not elaborate on how people will be able to get virtually tested.
North Texas hospitals are also “monitoring beds and equipment to ensure they know the region’s capacity in the event of a surge in hospitalizations,” Love said.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram asked Fort Worth hospitals how they were specifically preparing for the potential of an influx of patients. The newspaper has not gotten a response from John Peter Smith Hospital. Baylor Scott & White referred the newspaper to the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council.
Stephen O’Brien, a spokesman for Texas Health Harris, said the hospital is significantly reducing the number of entrances used to funnel traffic to screening stations.
At those access points, everyone — including patients, visitors and anyone with them — will be screened for symptoms of coronavirus.
“Anyone who shows any symptom of the virus will be required to put on a medical mask before entering the facility,” he said.
The hospital is following the lead of many others by canceling all community events including support group meetings, fitness center classes and health lectures.
Those who are tested for COVID-19 will likely get faster results in Tarrant County, which is a testing site, than other areas, but the number of tests are limited, officials have said. It’s unclear how many tests are available.
Love said many patients that test presumptive positive may not need hospitalization, which will help in regard to surges in hospital patients.
Many low-risk patients have been asked to self-quarantine in their homes for at least 14 days if they receive a positive test.
The Rev. Robert Pace of Trinity Episcopal Church, at 3401 Bellaire Drive South, has the first known case of coronavirus in Tarrant County.
He is being hospitalized. His wife tested negative for the virus but will self-quarantine for 14 days, a church spokesman said.
Love said residents should continue to wash their hands with soap and water and get their flu shots if they haven’t already. He reminds residents to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze and asks that people avoid large crowds.
“Finally, please do not panic as we are all working together to ensure the health and safety of our community,” he said.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 4:34 PM.
