what you need to know about covid-19

What You Need to Know About COVID-19

Many questions have come up from patients, caregivers and members of the community concerning COVID-19. We want to help alleviate your concerns by answering common questions about the novel coronavirus. If you have additional questions please contact the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) or refer to the CDC for information.

Please Note: The situation is fluid and is subject to change. We will do our best to keep you informed and provide access to the best care possible.

What are your visitor guidelines?

Community currently has visitation restrictions in place at its sites of care. Our highest priority is delivering quality care in the safest possible environment. Our visitation policies reflect the best evidence-based information available, and we’re confident in our safety protocols and our ability to keep patients, visitors and caregivers safe.

Please click to read our current visitation guidelines.

Visitor Guidelines

What's the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine?

Please check our COVID-19 vaccine blog for the latest information on the vaccine and answers to frequently asked questions about vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccine Blog

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

As always, we request that patients whose symptoms do not require emergency care refrain from coming to the ER simply for COVID-19 testing. We need to keep staff and services available for our increasing number of patients who need emergency treatment. Please see alternative options below. Thank you!

Primary Care Office

If you have a primary care provider at Community, call the office for COVID-19 testing questions and next steps. At this time, in-office testing is available only for symptomatic patients and school-aged children who need a test to return to school. 

Virtual Care

COVID-19 tests may be ordered through Community Virtual Care. A provider will assess your symptoms and, if needed, can schedule you quickly for a COVID-19 test at a convenient location, such as a MedCheck. Testing options may vary. Virtual visits start at just $49 for self-pay, and may be billable to insurance. To get started, click here to create your account.

MedChecks

COVID-19 testing is available at MedChecks for people with or without COVID symptoms. Please select "COVID-19 Concerns" when scheduling online. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted. Testing options may vary.

Community Clinic at Walgreens

COVID-19 testing is available at Community Clinic at Walgreens as part of an evaluation. Rapid testing is available for symptomatic patients. Send out PCR testing is available for those who require a negative test to return to work/school or for travel (no symptoms or exposure). Appointments should be scheduled online. Testing options may vary.

Other Indiana Locations

Find community COVID-19 testing sites near you and schedule an appointment online at https://scheduling.coronavirus.in.gov/Home/LocationSelection.

How do I protect myself from COVID-19 variants?

Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with COVID-19 variants, even though breakthrough infections are likely to occur. As with other variants, those who are unvaccinated have a higher chance of severe illness and hospitalization.

The best way to protect yourself from variants is to continue to take these precautions: get vaccinated and boosted, get tested and isolate if you are ill, avoid or social distance in crowded or indoor spaces, wear a mask around others, and wash your hands.

  • CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated.
  • CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older who is eligible should get a booster shot at least two months after their initial J&J/Janssen vaccine or six months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.

Find a Vaccination Site

I need care now. What should I do?

Our commitment to providing exceptional care is unwavering as the situation with COVID-19 continues. How we deliver care may be changing temporarily, but we remain committed to your health and the health of your family.

If You Have a Provider or MyChart Account

If you want to schedule an appointment with your current Community provider, you may call their office or send a message through MyChart. They will determine if you are able to have an appointment over the phone or by video, or if they need to make other arrangements. If you’re having trouble reaching your provider, call 317-621-2727 for assistance. MyChart care options include:

  • On-Demand Video Visits: MyChart users may request a video visit with an on-demand visit provider between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. for certain conditions. To get started, log in to your MyChart account and go to Menu > Start a Video Visit with a Virtual Care Provider. Need help? See our Tips and Tricks.
  • E-Visits: E-visits are useful to try to resolve health problems via messaging, without a visit. You may request an e-visit with an e-visit provider between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. for certain conditions. Learn more about e-Visits.
  • Scheduled Video Visits: Video visits may be held on a mobile device or your desktop/laptop computer. Learn more about Video Visits.

Don't Have a Provider?

If you want to schedule a new appointment with a provider, please call 317-621-2727 to be guided on next steps or try the options listed below.

Virtual Care

Virtual care is available between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. for minor illness and injuries. You can use this service whether or not you have a Community provider. They'll assess your symptoms and, if needed, can schedule you quickly for a follow-up visit. COVID-19 tests may be ordered through virtual care. Visits start at just $49 for self-pay, and may be able to be billed to insurance. To get started, click here to create your account.

MedCheck and Community Clinic at Walgreens for Urgent Care

Community MedChecks and Community Clinic at Walgreens* locations are open for in-person urgent care, and appointments may be scheduled online for all locations.

  • *Appointments required for Community Clinic at Walgreens visits.
  • Walk-ins accepted at MedChecks only.

I am experiencing symptoms. What do I do?

If you are worried that may have acquired the COVID-19 coronavirus, we want to quickly direct you to the most appropriate care and prevent the spread of the virus. Instead of driving to your doctor's office or other site of care, please call your provider or 317-621-2727 for guidance on next steps. We'll give you important information to ensure you get the best care possible before coming to an outpatient location.

Community MedChecks and Community Clinic at Walgreens locations are open for urgent care.

Stay home if possible. According to the CDC, people who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. Avoid public areas. Do not go to work, school or public places. Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

What can I do to help?

Many of our Central Indiana neighbors have reached out asking how they can help at this time. If you would like to offer support, we encourage you to consider the following options:

  • Make a financial donation. Gifts made in response to COVID-19 can help:
    • support patients in financial needs,
    • provide take-home meal kits and temporary quarantine housing support for Community caregivers
    • or offer financial assistance for Community caregivers facing sudden and severe hardship.
  • Donate blood. COVID-19 precautions are affecting our blood supply. Our local Blood Center needs 550 donors every day to maintain a healthy blood supply. For those who are able, please consider donating. Both the CDC and WHO have deemed it safe to donate. Please follow the guidance outlined by the American Red Cross.

How are you protecting your caregivers from coronavirus?

We are practicing infection prevention as we would for a disease that is spread like COVID-19. We meet often regarding changes to the situation and run drills for our teams. We adjusted HR policies so our caregivers know they can stay home if ill. We work with agencies if we need outside help. We ask all caregivers, even those who are not at the bedside, to be ready to serve in whatever capacity we need them.

Are there restrictions for hospital vendors?

Yes, vendors are restricted to mission-critical or direct patient care activities and will only be allowed in the building or clinic and by appointment only. Please reach out to your designated point of contact at Community to make arrangements in advance.

Are there volunteer restrictions?

We are happy to welcome volunteers to serve in our facilities! Get volunteer information and apply online here.

What do people need to know about COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus spread by respiratory droplets, mainly from person-to-person. This can happen between people who are in close contact from one another (about 6 feet). It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touching their mouth, nose or possibly eyes, but this is not the main way the virus spreads. People need to wash their hands frequently and keep their hands away from their face once they have touched a surface, shaken a hand or touched another person. Instead of shaking hands, touch elbows or give a nice head nod.

What can I do to prevent getting sick?

Wash your hands and practice good hygiene. Remember, we're all in this together. Let's do our part to help keep everyone healthy.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you know that someone has COVID-19, keep a distance between yourself and the individual.

Take steps that protect others. Wear a face mask when you are out in public. Stay home if you're sick; cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then throw away. Be sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, sinks, faucets and pens.

Wear a mask properly to protect yourself and others.

Face mask do's and don'ts

What if I am a higher risk individual?

High risk groups include the elderly and people of all ages who have severe underlying health conditions. Examples of these conditions include heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and auto-immune conditions. If you are a higher risk individual, there are extra ways to take precautions outlined by the CDC.

What is your safety plan?

Gov. Eric Holcomb’s May 1, 2020 executive order outlining Indiana’s five-stage plan for reopening the economy required that employers publicly share a detailed safety plan, outlining policies, procedures and expectations for safe operations. Please see Community's plan below.

Reopening Safety Plan

For updates on Indiana's coronavirus response, visit https://www.coronavirus.in.gov.

Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms please call before coming to a site of care.

Call your provider or 317-621-2727. We'll give you important information to ensure you get the best care possible before coming to an outpatient location.

Thank you for your help in protecting the community.