COVID-19 Update - A Message from Dr. Morris-Harris
Published: 06-24-2020 | 1 MIN READ | Author: Prism Health North Texas
Dear Prism Health North Texas Patients,
I am writing to inform you of an alarming trend we are seeing, a rising number of Coronavirus cases in our patient population. Until recently, PHNTX had seen relatively few patients testing positive for the virus. Within the last week the rate of positive tests has quadrupled. This mirrors the rise in cases seen in the state and in Dallas County.
In order to prevent hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and death, it is important to avoid social gatherings of more than 5 people, maintain social distancing (physical distance of 6-9 feet), wash your hands for 20 seconds several times per day, avoid touching your face, and wear a clean mask or face covering when around others.
At this time, your providers would ask you to avoid bars, indoor dining, gyms, barbers, nail salons, and airline flights of more than 2 hours. Your risk of acquiring Coronavirus increases in enclosed spaces housing groups of people not wearing masks who are shouting, singing, speaking, coughing, or sneezing.
Please contact the clinic if you or anyone in your household has any of the symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms are: fever greater than 99.60 F, cough, loss of taste or smell, chest pain, shortness of breath, muscle aches, diarrhea, sore throat, or headache.
While most severe cases of COVID-19 are in those over sixty-five, more than eighty percent of those infected are less than 65 years old. Those with other medical problems including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and chronic obstructive lung disease have worse outcomes during the course of the disease.
We urge you to protect yourselves and household contacts. The staff of Prism Health North Texas cares about you and your household. Please stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Deborah Morris-Harris MD
Chief Medical Officer, Prism Health North Texas
