Frequently
Asked Questions

There are numerous types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. The novel or “new” coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is one that has not previously been identified. It is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

For many people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness, but for others it can be far more serious, and potentially life-threatening. Older adults, and people with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. But younger people also are at risk. A report issued by the CDC shows that younger people are making up a large portion of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. As more people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the CDC has added additional symptoms for the disease, including: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a new loss of taste or smell. Other symptoms of the virus may include diarrhea, skin rash, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue.

The incubation period is believed to range from 2 to 14 days. The median is about 5 days.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally shown mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. There is much more to learn about how the disease impacts children, including whether children with certain underlying conditions or special health care needs may be at higher risk of more severe symptoms.

According to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Spread might be possible before people show symptoms. There have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

1. Call your primary care physician. If you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and have symptoms, call your primary care physician. You primary care physician can arrange to have you screened and tested.

2. Schedule a virtual consultation with Jupiter Medical Center’s Care Anywhere telehealth service. Call (561) 263-7080 to set up a consultation with one of our Urgent Care providers from the comfort of your home using your phone or computer.

Our providers will evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best course of action. Care Anywhere is available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you’re having symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care doctor or schedule a virtual visit using Care Anywhere for an evaluation and medical advice. Anyone who has trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in their chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face should seek immediate medical attention.

The CDC recently updated guidance to the general public on the wearing of cloth or fabric masks. Recent studies have shown that “a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms,” per the CDC.

In light of this evidence, the CDC is now recommending that individuals wear cloth face masks or coverings in public settings, particularly where social distancing practices are hard to abide by, including areas where consumers might be in close proximity to each other, such as your local grocery store or pharmacy.

In advance of the announced recommendations from the CDC, Jupiter Medical Center had already amended and implemented our policy regarding the use and application of masks. Our policy dictates that all medical staff and team members must wear a surgical mask when providing care to all patients as an additional precautionary measure. Our updated guidelines do not include any changes to JMC’s previously implemented guidance dictating the usage of PPE, including the wearing of surgical masks, N95 respirator masks and or face shields, for all patient-facing medical staff previously initiated in late January and that remain in effect to this day.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and think you need to be tested, the first step is to contact your doctor or schedule a virtual consultation through Jupiter Medical Center’s Care Anywhere telehealth service. Call (561) 263-7080 to schedule an appointment.

The urgent care provider will evaluate your symptoms and recommend next steps. Care Anywhere is available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jupiter Medical Center is not a test site, in accordance with health department directives. Palm Beach County has opened several drive-through test locations, but you need an appointment. In addition, some sites are only testing people who are symptomatic, while others will test people who are not currently having symptoms.

To get an appointment at a testing location, start by contacting your primary care physician or setting up a Care Anywhere virtual consultation with a Jupiter Medical Center Urgent Care provider. Call (561) 263 7080 to schedule a telehealth appointment.

All testing should be conducted in consultation with a health care provider. For initial diagnostic testing, the CDC recommends collecting and testing a specimen from the upper respiratory tract, using a nasopharyngeal swab.

Individuals who have recovered from coronavirus are being asked to donate plasma to treat COVID-19 patients. People who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies to the virus in their blood plasma that can potentially help those still fighting the virus. Called convalescent plasma therapy, this experimental treatment is being offered by Jupiter Medical Center to COVID-19 patients who are seriously ill with COVID-19 and who are at high risk of life-threatening COVID-19 complications. By donating plasma, recovered individuals can offer these potentially lifesaving antibodies.</p>
<p>To donate, individuals must have a prior, verified diagnosis and be fully recovered. Find a donation site at the Red Cross or oneblood.org.

The Jupiter Medical Center team has been moved by the remarkable acts of generosity from local donors and individuals, community organizations, companies and first responders who have sought to make donations our hospital. Many of these offers have included gifts to the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, as well as materials, such as N95 masks, ventilators and other supplies.

These acts of generosity are a testament to what makes Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast so special. We are especially appreciative of the community’s support for our #HealthCareHeroes – the physicians, nurses and clinical teams who are demonstrating incredible courage, selflessness, and spirit on the front lines of this fight against COVID-19.

Ways You Can Help

Along with many other hospitals across the nation, we want to encourage people who wish to make a difference to contact their local medical center to discuss the best ways to offer support.

• For Jupiter Medical Center specifically, donations of materials, supplies and equipment may be directed to Fred Mollica, Director of Emergency Management at (561) 660-0213.
• Unfortunately, we cannot accept food at this time.
• For financial contributions</strong>, please direct inquiries to the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation or visit the COVID-19 Relief Fund website: https://www.jmcfoundation.org/ways-to-give/covid-19-relief-fund
• The Red Cross also has an urgent need for blood donations. Find a donation location near you at https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now.