Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a virus known as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is an illness that was first found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread to other countries. It can cause difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat, fever, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache or new loss of smell or taste. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia. 

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses. They can cause more serious illnesses like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The 2019-nCoV is called a novel coronavirus. That's because it's a new type that has not been seen in people before. 

Viruses like these may spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing and through direct contact.

The best way to protect yourself from getting sick is to: 

• Stay educated and follow the CDC guidelines for the latest information. 
• Avoid areas where there is an outbreak. 
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizers with an alcohol level of 60% or greater if soap and water is not available. 
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands. 

To help avoid spreading the virus to others: 

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Use a disinfectant to clean things that you touch often. 
• Stay home if you are sick. 
• Wear face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
• To prevent exposure to others, individuals who are experiencing respiratory symptoms are encouraged to call their healthcare provider prior to arriving at a healthcare facility.

If you are concerned you have symptoms, call your Parkview Physicians Group office or call 877-PPG-TODAY for a free phone screening to be directed to appropriate care.

More information on COVID-19, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the CDC website. Information can also be found on the Allen County Department of Health website or by calling the department’s COVID-19 hotline at 260-449-4499.

The following links will provide you with up-to-date COVID-19 resources: 

• CDC
• Indiana State Department of Health
• Allen County Department of Health

The following COVID-19 resources from Parkview are also available:

• COVID-19 Symptom Checker
• Virtual Video Visit Options
• Facility & Service Updates
• Resources for Businesses
• Parkview Blog
• Parkview Newsroom

Q: Can Parkview test for novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A: For patients who meet testing guidelines, Parkview can collect samples that are sent to the appropriate state or commercial lab facilities. The test for COVID-19 can only be performed through state or select commercial labs.

Q: Can anyone be tested for COVID-19?
A: Due to the limited availability of testing by state and commercial labs, Parkview is currently following guidelines set by state health departments to determine the most appropriate patients to collect samples for testing.

Q: I heard the government is making more tests available – when can more people be tested?
A: On March 13, the federal government announced plans to make COVID-19 testing more readily available to the public. No dates have been announced, and it is uncertain when these measures will be in place.

Q: How do you decide who will be tested?
A: Due to a limited number of available tests, Parkview Health has to follow strict testing guidelines set by the Indiana State Department of Health.

Q: If I go to the emergency room, or have a doctor’s note, can I be tested?
A: At this time, Parkview will only submit testing for patients who meet the criteria set by the ISDH or ODH. If you do not qualify for testing, your provider can still help you manage your symptoms and follow guidelines to minimize exposure to others. 

Q: Should everyone who has COVID-19 symptoms be seen by a doctor?
A: The majority of people with COVID-19 have minor symptoms and do not require inpatient medical care or testing. Individuals with minor symptoms are advised to stay home rather than seek testing or medical care. People with symptoms or concerns specific to COVID-19 can either:

1. Visit parkview.com/symptomchecker for detailed self-triage information
2. Call 1-877-PPG-TODAY (1-877-774-8632) for a free phone screening

Please note that these screening tools may determine that you need to see a provider for care and management of your symptoms. However, seeing a provider does not guarantee you will meet the guidelines for testing of COVID-19.

Q: What does the COVID-19 test cost?
A: The availability of test kits remains limited and we strive to obtain as many test kits as possible at the lowest possible prices.  We have set our $175 cash price at our cost for our expanded testing across multiple vendors.

The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires group health plans and health insurance issuers in both group and individual markets for health insurance to provide coverage, without cost sharing by patients.

Download Q&A

To view the latest visitor restriction information, visit the Facility & Service Updates page.

Q: Will exceptions be made to visitor restrictions in Family Birthing Centers?

A: To protect all patients and staff, the visitor restrictions are strictly enforced in Family Birthing Centers. Additional, non-Parkview caregivers will be considered visitors at this time.

Q: Will exceptions be made to visitor restrictions in end-of-life situations?
A: Exceptions to allow authorize visitation for compassionate care will be determined on an individual basis.

Q: Will I still have my scheduled appointment with my provider?
A: Because the situation is rapidly changing, we cannot speak to all appointments and/or providers. Areas that are canceling procedures and appointments are calling to notify patients and many are offering video visits when appropriate. You may also contact your provider for more information.

Q: Are lab, imaging and radiology, services still available?
A: Availability of these services varies. Please call ahead to confirm available hours and locations.

Q: Is the cafeteria open?
A: For the safety of our patients and co-workers, our hospital cafeterias are currently closed to the general public. They are open to only Parkview co-workers and authorized hospital visitors. For safety, all cafeterias are only offering a selection of carry-out options.

Guest trays will be free during this pandemic and delivered at the same time patients receive their meals. A menu will be provided which specifies the available meals each day.

Q: Is Parkview still holding community screenings and group classes?
A: To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, Parkview Health has canceled many scheduled classes and events. Visit the Parkview Classes & Events page for an updated schedule.

Q: Will I be screened before entering a facility?
A: For the safety of our patients and co-workers, some Parkview facilities have implemented screening processes for patients and visitors. Screenings may include questions about any symptoms you may be experiencing and/or taking temperatures of anyone entering the buildings.

Q: I am experiencing symptoms. What should I do?
A: If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed, use our interactive COVID-19 Symptom Checker. You may also call your Parkview Physicians Group office or 1-877-PPG-TODAY for guidance. If you think you might be experiencing a severe medical event, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department immediately.

Q: How likely is it that someone without symptoms can spread COVID-19?
A: Some people who have COVID-19 don’t have any symptoms. That’s called being asymptomatic. There have been reports that these people may be able to pass the virus to others. That’s another reason why it’s important to keep following social distancing guidelines and stay at least 6 feet away from others.

People with COVID-19 seem to be most contagious when they have symptoms like a fever and a cough.

Q: If I come to the hospital for other care concerns, am I going to be exposed to COVID-19?
A: Parkview Health has implemented multiple precautionary measures to minimize any exposure for patients, visitors and staff. This includes visitor restrictions, enhanced cleaning procedures, screening protocols, social distancing measures and staggering appointments to minimize the number of people in our facilities. For non-emergent medical issues, virtual visits are an option. If you have a scheduled appointment with one of our providers, you will be notified if your appointment will be virtual.

Q: Is my virtual visit covered by insurance?
A: Many of these services are now covered by insurance. Please email virtualhealth@parkview.com to specific answers regarding your carrier. Visit Parkview.com/CareFromHome for additional information on our virtual care options. As a reminder, our new online COVID-19 Symptom Checker is free. You can also call your primary care provider’s office of 1-877-PPG-TODAY for a free phone screening.

Q: Are you accepting homemade masks?
A: After receiving more than 40,000 cloth face mask donations, Parkview Health is concluding its mask-making program and encouraging community members to donate to other organizations in need. 

Q: Do you accept donations of PPE?
A: Parkview Health is not accepting donations of PPE at this time and is encouraging the donation of unused PPE to other organizations in need.

Q: Can I donate food to hospital staff?
A: Please direct all food donation questions to fooddonations@parkview.com.

Q: How can I make a monetary contribution?
A: Visit Ways to Help to donate to Parkview Foundations to help fund programs, research and innovations at Parkview hospitals.

Q: Can I donate blood safely during the COVID-19 outbreak?
A: The American Red Cross is in critical need of blood donations as COVID-19 is causing serious shortages in blood supply.

If you are well and meet the donor guidelines, you can donate blood. This is true even if you live in an area with a shelter-in-place order, according to the American Red Cross.

Blood donations help save lives. The need is especially urgent because many blood drives have been canceled over fears about COVID-19.

Donation sites are taking extra steps to keep you safe. For example, they’re doing extra disinfecting of equipment and spacing chairs at least 6 feet apart. They also are checking temperatures and the overall health of donors and the staff members who draw the blood.

Visit redcrossblood.org for information on how you can donate.