COVID-19 Updates
Latest information on visitor restrictions, what to do if you have symptoms and other helpful resources.
Learn More2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
- Whether you are a new patient or you need to see your regular physician or provider for a medical issue, you can do so from the comfort of your home.
- When you call for any non-urgent appointment, ask if the clinic offers Zoom and if your appointment is appropriate for a virtual visit. You can download Zoom here. Clinic staff will explain how to access Zoom from either your mobile device or desktop computer, and will give you the Zoom ID to use. You do not have to create a Zoom account to use this service.
- All aspects and quality of the visit are similar to an in-person visit, including cost and copays, if required. Most payers cover virtual visits.
- Rest assured we never record virtual visits, and they are encrypted to ensure patient privacy.
- To learn more about the process, watch our Virtual Visits video.
With the continuing spread of COVID-19 in our community, we are working closely with state and local health authorities to care for affected individuals while also taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within the communities we serve. Please check back often as we continue to share updates and resources as the situation develops.
Visitor Restrictions
We are actively screening and restricting visitors at all our hospital and clinic locations as we work to keep our communities safe. We are are beginning to rollout and implement the revised restrictions below as of May 20. Please read the restrictions below and on your local hospital page before visiting one of our locations.
- Current restriction may include:
- One visitor per day per patient during visitor hours (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- One visitor at a time for end-of-life
- One support person for laboring mothers
- Parents of a special-care infant
- Care partner who needs to learn how to care for a patient
- Designated driver for surgery patients
- Children 12 and under are restricted from visiting
- All approved visitors:
- Must use designated entrances
- Will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms
- Will be asked to complete hand hygiene upon entry
- Must wear a mask while inside the building
- Are encouraged to maintain physcial distancing (at least six feet apart from others)
Clinic visitor restrictions:
- For everyone's protection, we are restricting visitors from accompanying patients to an appointment. Accommodations will be made for minors and special circumstances.
- We ask that you provide your own mask and wear it upon entering a Franciscan location. If you do not have a mask, we will provide one for you.
- Please, do NOT come to your appointment if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste or smell, or have had close, in-person contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID virus within the past 14 days. If symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1 or go directly to one of our COVID-19 Triage Centers, Urgent Cares or Emergency Services departments.
FREE Virtual Urgent Care Visits for Mild COVID-19 Symptoms
To be assessed from the comfort of your home by one of our providers for mild Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms such as cough, low-grade fever or mild respiratory problems, visit franciscanvirtualcare.org and enter the discount code COVID19 to waive the typical $35 fee.
With the influx of virtual visits due to COVID-19 in our community we are experiencing longer than usual wait times for our virtual visits. While this is not ideal, staying at home and waiting is the best way to prevent the spread of illness. Once you have registered for your visit, there is an option to receive a text notification when the provider is ready to see you.
Visit franciscanvirtualcare.org, or download the iOS mobile app in the Apple store or the Android app in the Google Play store.
What to do if you have symptoms
- If you or a loved one have mild respiratory symptoms suggesting Coronavirus (COVID-19) such as cough, low-grade fever or mild respiratory problems, schedule a FREE Franciscan Virtual Urgent Care visit today and enter the discount code COVID19.
- If you have a fever and cough and are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, we recommend that you be assessed at one of our triage sites. Patients at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection include: healthcare workers, first responders, patients in nursing homes, patients with severe lung illness or chronic disease, exposure to a known COVID-19 patient, pregnant women and patients older than 60 years.
- COVID-19 Triage Center locations:
- **Driving through COVID-19 testing available
- If symptoms are severe such as high fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, go to one of our Triage Centers, Urgent Care or the Emergency Services department to be screened. Please remember, emergency services need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Severe Illness Associated with Using Non-Pharmaceutical Chloroquine Phosphate
Recommendations for the Public
- Do not ingest aquarium use products or any other chemicals that contain chloroquine phosphate. These chemicals are not intended for human consumption and can lead to serious health consequences, including death.
- Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider and always according to the instructions provided.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider or your poison center (1-800-222-1222).
How to protect yourself and others.
- Learn about the signs and symptoms of flu and COVID-19
- Stay home when sick
- Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
- Stay informed via public health updates as information is changing frequently
Need to schedule an appointment?
- Whether you are a new patient or you need to see your regular primary care or specialty care provider for a medical issue, you can do so from the comfort of your home.
- When you call for any non-urgent appointment, ask if the clinic offers Zoom and if your appointment is appropriate for a virtual visit. You can download Zoom here. Clinic staff will explain how to access Zoom from either your mobile device or desktop computer, and will give you the Zoom ID to use. You do not have to create a Zoom account to use this service.
- All aspects and quality of the visit are similar to an in-person visit, including cost and copays, if required. Most payers cover virtual visits.
- Rest assured we never record virtual visits, and they are encrypted to ensure patient privacy.
More information
Birth Center COVID-19 Information and FAQs
Care for Pregnant Patients During COVID-19
What is coronavirus disease 2019?
Washington State Department of Health
Public Health – Seattle and King County
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Kitsap Public Health District
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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