What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus, that was first discovered in late 2019. COVID-19 can cause a wide range of illnesses from no symptoms at all (asymptomatic) to mild flu-like symptoms and severe pneumonia. It is a highly contagious virus and can easily spread from person to person. As with all newly discovered pathogens, many of the characteristics are still unknown and thus, information may change quickly. 

Symptoms of a COVID-19 infection

Symptoms may occur between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus with a peak of heightened symptoms between 5-7 days. These symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle pain or headaches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Recent loss of taste or smell

Some individuals have no symptoms at all and are called asymptomatic.

Transmission of COVID-19

Transmission mostly occurs between persons and the virus is transmitted via droplets when an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes. The virus can travel as far as 6 feet and remain in the air for a few minutes. Asymptomatic persons infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus as well.

To a lesser extent, the virus can be transmitted by touching a surface that has live virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

Steps to Protect Yourself from COVID-19

• Always practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 70% if a hand washing station is not available.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Maintain a respiratory etiquette by covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow. Remember to dispose of used tissues as soon as possible and wash your hands after handling them.
• Practice social distancing of 6 feet.
• Avoid being around people displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
• Wear your mask in public spaces or gatherings.
• Follow regular cleaning practices in your home dwelling. Remember that regular cleaning can help reduce bacteria and viruses build up on surfaces.
• Be alert! If you or somebody you know start displaying symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, contact your healthcare provider and follow their instructions.

Booking an Appointment for your COVID-19 test

At Doctors Hospital, COVID-19 testing is done on an appointment only basis. All testing is conducted using Public Health guidelines. To determine if you qualify for testing, please contact our Care Centre at 325-9000.

We offer offsite and onsite testing. Offsite testing can be conducted at a company’s place of work with a staff of 30 or more employees. Onsite testing is done conveniently via Drive Through.

Once the booking process has been completed through our Care Centre, a visit number will be provided to each individual that will be mandatory to complete the test.

To book either option, or for more information please contact our Care Centre Monday through Friday 7 am to 6pm at 325-9000.

Doctors Hospital COVID-19 Drive Through Process

An appointment is required. This can be booked through Doctors Hospital Care Centre by calling 325-9000.

Using our Drive Through Testing Facility at Doctors Hospital at 16 Middle Road, George Town, when you arrive via the main entrance to the hospital, please follow the signage and make a left turn towards the testing tent.

You must bring a valid photo identification document and your visit number to the appointment.

Please come to the appointment alone unless someone in your household also has an appointment for a test.

Please remain in your vehicle throughout the entire process. If you do not drive, please check in at our main check-in and registration tent and you will be directed by one of our team members.

You will be approached by one of our team members and asked to show your photo ID and provide your visit number. You will be re-asked screening questionsduring check-in.  The entire COVID testing process may take 3-5 minutes.

A second member of our team will collect the specimen by inserting a swab into your nose. Please bring tissues with you and blow your nose prior to, and wipe after the swab has being taken.

Once the process is complete, please follow the signage to exit the property.

Receiving your COVID-19 results

With our cutting-edge approach towards COVID-19 testing, you will receive your results by email within 24-48 hours. This will help to reduce community transmission by identifying and informing individuals who tested positive immediately. 

If you have positive result you will also be contacted by Public Health for contact tracing and further instructions.

More information on COVID-19

Stay informed and up to date with regards to latest information on COVID-19. We recommend    the following resources:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• https://www.exploregov.ky/coronavirus