What the Northern Arizona community needs to know

If you have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath or you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your care provider. If you are having difficulty breathing, call 911 prior to seeking treatment so that our team is able to help you seek immediate care.

If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, it’s important to prevent the spread of the illness to health care providers, other patients, your family and the broader community. 

Please visit the CDC’s website on COVID-19 for the latest recommendations regarding exposure, symptoms and best practices.

If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms and would like to receive a test, click the button below to view information on testing sites that corresponds to the county where you live. Many businesses now offer COVID-19 testing, both by appointment and walk-in. You may also speak with your primary care provider.

If you do not have a primary care provider, please contact Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group – Flagstaff at 928-913-8800 for a Same Day Sick evaluation or Camp Verde Immediate Care at 928-639-5555. 

Your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the coronavirus is low—unless you are older or have an underlying condition. Importantly, COVID-19 is more infectious and more deadly than flu; so, it should be taken seriously but should not be a cause for panic. Most people infected with the novel virus have mild, moderate, or no symptoms at all.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease. For more information, visit the CDC website.

• Stock up on supplies, including medications, groceries, and household items.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill include:

• Older adults, 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People who have serious underlying medical conditions like:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Read the latest information from the CDC about coronavirus (COVID-19) recommendations regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Symptoms in children

Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) in children may be similar to those for common respiratory viruses and they may be milder than adult symptoms. Also, children may not have any symptoms even though they are infected, but they can still spread the disease to others.

• Fever
• Symptoms of respiratory infection
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose

How do I help my kids avoid getting sick?

The CDC recommends the same preventive actions for avoiding other illnesses. Help kids develop healthy habits and remind them how important those habits are. Advice for parents include keeping items at home clean and disinfected.

• Wash hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid people who are coughing and sneezing or who have other symptoms of being sick.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks).
• Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

For the latest information on COVID-19 symptoms to watch for, visit the CDC page on COVID-19.

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that all persons, whether sick or well, wear a face mask when out in public where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

According to the CDC, masks should:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
• be secured with ties or ear loops.
• include multiple layers of material.
• allow for breathing without restriction.
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape unless the mask is of a disposable variety.

As an organization, Northern Arizona Healthcare follows CDC recommendations for reducing the risk of spreading infectious disease such as hygiene best practices. We recommend the below as well, for all patients, families and community members:  

• Wash your hands often – for at least 20 seconds   
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.  
• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs  
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick  
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated areas  

Note: These recommendations are guidelines and not inclusive of all possible measures of prevention. Visit the CDC page on COVID-19 prevention.

Northern Arizona Healthcare is taking every precaution to ensure we continue to provide all patients with the highest quality care while protecting hospital staff, other patients, and visitors. Several proactive initiatives underway across our health system include:

• Updating our Emergency Department screening protocols to rapidly detect patients with possible COVID-19.
• Implementation of a system-wise visitation policy that aligns with county- and state-based COVID-19 case data.
• Working with county and community partners throughout northern Arizona to ensure community access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing. 
• Providing a COVID-19 Informational Hotline (928-773-2301 or 1-833-708-0894) available 24/7 to answer questions about COVID-19 exposure, transmission and/or testing. 
• Collaborating with state authorities to maintain a state-wide COVID-19 surge line to ensure healthcare facilities across Arizona do not become overwhelmed.
• Providing a frequently updated web hub for updates about COVID-19.

You should not avoid seeking necessary care out of concerns about COVID-19 and you should keep your appointments unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. 

Northern Arizona Health continues to rapidly adapt operations to promote social distancing and protect against the spread of COVID-19 as Coconino and Yavapai counties begin to report presumptive cases in Northern Arizona. Your appointment may be rescheduled or conducted as a telemedicine or virtual visit. If this occurs, you will be contacted by your provider’s office. 

To learn how to prepare for a telemedicine visit, see our page about outpatient visits.

We recommend that you continue taking all medications, including any immunosuppressants, as prescribed unless otherwise instructed by your provider.

Contact your provider if you have questions.