With news reports about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) changing daily, it’s understandable that you may feel concerned.

We want to assure you that Unity Health Network is doing all we can to keep our patients safe as the crisis comes to the communities we serve. Click on the links below to access the information you need.

If you believe you have been exposed, have symptoms:

If you believe you have been exposed to or are symptomatic for Coronavirus – you have a new fever or cough in the past 24-48 hours.

Call your Unity Health Network provider before driving to your physician’s office or the Emergency Department

We will be able to provide instruction on your path for care – this could include our telehealth visit option.If you have an acute health issue:

Please call your Unity Health Network provider as usual

You will be asked simple screening questions, and if you are cleared to visit, will be given an appointment time and location that best fits your need

We are utilizing a screening process to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and community

If you have a scheduled appointment:

Your Unity Health Network provider’s office will call you 2-days in advance of your appointment for a simple screening to ensure you are healthy and to confirm your visit

We are utilizing a short screening process to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and community

If after the screening we feel you would be better served by an alternative path of care, we will coordinate such direction of care at that time 

If you are 65 or older and scheduled for an annual wellness visit:

Because you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 due to your age, your Unity Health Network provider’s office will call you to reschedule your appointment

If you feel you have a medically-urgent matter, please discuss the opportunity for telehealth visits with your provider, as well as an in-office visit

Concerns about visiting our offices:

We are screening all patients prior to their appointments to ensure the highest level of safety within our offices. We do understand you may have anxiety coming to our offices, as well as new concerns brought upon by school closings and other social distancing guidelines. Please utilize the Patient Portal for requests.

Call your Unity Health Network provider first:

As always, call your Unity Health Network care provider first with questions or before you visit an Urgent Care Center or Emergency Room. See an alphabetized list for easy phone access or download the list below.

Download Phone List (PDF)

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

(Sources: Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio Department of Health, Summit County Public Health) 

What is Coronavirus/COVID-19?

COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, is an upper respiratory tract disease caused by one of the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. It was first identified in humans in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms generally appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most people who become sick do not require hospitalization, but older adults, people with chronic health conditions and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to require more advanced care

If you think you have COVID-19…

Call your Primary Care Provider before driving to an Emergency Department. They will give you instructions on how to proceed

Do not drive to the hospital or doctor’s office before contacting the facility

Do not share items, including food and beverages, with others

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home

Why are we so concerned about the coronavirus?

It is new and unpredictable, meaning there is no vaccine or specific treatment

It spreads rapidly and has caused severe respiratory illness or death in thousands of people around the world 

Community spread is happening internationally and in parts of the U.S., including Ohio. This means some people have become infected and it is not known how or where they became exposed. This can quickly lead to widespread infection

What is the current risk for Ohioans? 

People exposed to ill persons -- family members and healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 -- are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19

People who have traveled to high-risk countries are more at risk of contracting COVID-19 

Community spread has raised levels of concern about immediate threat to the general public

How severe is the illness?

  • Reported cases of COVID-19 have ranged from mild, with cold-like symptoms, to severe, resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death
  • Information so far suggests most COVID-19 cases are mild
  • Older people, people with underlying health conditions, and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19

What is a pandemic?

  • Worldwide spread of a new disease
  • COVID-19 has caused illness, including illness resulting in death
  • Sustained person-to-person spread is occurring
  • Worldwide spread is occurring

What can I do to protect myself?

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
  • Wet hands with clean running water (warm or cold). Turn off tap and apply soap
  • Lather hands thoroughly getting between fingers and backs of hands and nails
  • Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Some find it helpful to sing a song like “Happy Birthday”
  • Rinse hands with the fingers facing downward. Let the water run into the sink and not back towards your elbows
  • Dry hands using clean towel
  • Do not touch your face
  • Distance yourself from others. No hugging, touching hands, elbow touching or fist bumps. Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Cover your sneeze and cough with a tissue
  • Avoid non-essentials trips into public places
  • Disinfect common areas of your home including doorknobs, refrigerator door handles, TV remotes, light switches, tabletops, etc

What else can I do at home?

  • Keep a two-week supply of essentials, such as medications, water, food and pet food
  • Have backup plans for disruptions to child or adult care, education, work schedules and transportation
  • Identify community organizations that may be able to help if you need information, healthcare or other support or resources
  • Consider canceling or postponing events
  • Be prepared to cancel travel plans

What can I do if I have been exposed?

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Call your physicians for instructions and help
  • Separate yourself from people and pets in your home
  • Cover your cough and sneeze
  • Wash hands regularly and disinfect common areas
  • Monitor your symptoms

Are my children at risk? Learn More
(link will take you outside Unity Health Network)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Summit County Public Health Hotline: (330) 926-5795  

(Links will take you outside Unity Health Network)
Facts and Myths

If you are at higher risk

Difference between COVID-19, Flu, Cold and Allergies

How to disinfect and clean

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Ohio Department of Health

Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety

Map of Cases across the Globe

Cash price for COVID diagnostic testing:

  • COVID-19 Finger Stick to detect Antibody $60.00
  • COVID-19 Rapid test $65.00