AFC Urgent Care is very closely monitoring the evolving changes of the COVID-19 crisis, and we assure you that as more information is being released about the outbreak we will keep you informed.
This page continues to be updated as more information becomes available. We recognize you may be feeling concerned and frightened by the overwhelming amount of information on the coronavirus outbreak — we’re here to help.
Staying informed about how the virus spreads and how to best protect yourself and your loved ones is the first line of defense. We have put together some Frequently Asked Questions and answers, as well as a list of helpful, credible resources for up-to-date information. We plan to keep this content updated frequently so that you have a trusted source to refer to for the newest developments.
Q: What is the Coronavirus disease 2019?
A: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. It has spread from infected animals to humans which is very unusual. It has escalated and continues to infect people around the world. The CDC has been monitoring it since it’s origin and continues to update information for the public.
Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
A: COVID-19 has similar symptoms like the flu and common colds, but patients mainly report having mild to severe respiratory illness that may lead to severe illness or death. The symptoms of this Coronavirus may typically appear 2-14 days after exposure. The virus can affect everyone differently and symptoms can vary for each individual and if they have a compromised immune system.
The main symptoms of COVID-19 can be one or more of the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pressure
- Chills
- Muscle pain and body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste and/or smell
Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
Q: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in Connecticut?
At AFC urgent care we have established protocols to identify a PUI and report immediately to the State of CT and local health departments along with closely working with CDC to expedite the testing process.
Drive through COVID-19 testing is available (authorized as per the CT department of health) IF (and only if) you have either a known exposure or are showing symptoms: dry cough, fever, shortness of breath.
AFC Urgent Care is pleased to announce that we are now testing for COVID-19 in your area. The following centers that are performing tests are:
- AFC Urgent Care Torrington (1171 E Main St.) Across from Webster bank
- AFC Urgent Care Vernon (179 Talcottville Rd.) Across from AutoZone
- AFC Urgent Care Danbury (2 Main St.) Right next to Dunkin Donuts and the War Memorial
- AFC Urgent Care Danbury (100 Mill Plain Rd.) Right across from Bambinos Pizza/near Rosy's Tomorrow
- AFC Urgent Care Danbury (76c Newtown Rd.) Next to Texas Roadhouse
- AFC Urgent Care New Britain (135 E Main St.) Across from New Brite Plaza
- AFC Urgent Care West Hartford (1030 Boulevard) In the Boulevard Shoppes
Servicing all of the Litchfield, Hartford Fairfield, Tolland, and Eastern Putnam County, NY surrounding regions. If you are exhibiting symptoms, please use our AFC TeleCare platform to get pre-screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Register online here where you will be screened and meet with a provider to decide next steps.
Currently, we are offering a nasal swab test. The test is easy and quick. One of our medical staff will meet you at your car to collect a nasal swab. The process takes about 5-10 minutes to do and results will be available within 24-48 hours.
We are working on obtaining the serology test which will look for the presence of antibodies and be able to determine how much of the U.S. population has been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Stay tuned for this.
When coming for your test we ask that you limit the number of people in your vehicle and stay in your car for the test to be done.
Q: What is the best way to avoid contracting Coronavirus
The best way to prevent contracting Coronavirus is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The CDC is recommending “social distancing”, meaning keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from one another even for healthy people.
- When touching foreign surfaces, always follow up by washing your hands
- Stay away from those who may have been exposed to the virus, or those showing symptoms of the virus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should
- Self-Quarantine, stay home when you are sick!
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Q: How do I keep myself and family safe from the Coronavirus in Connecticut?
We should use the following preventative measures to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe:
- Wash your hands continuously throughout the day for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer with 60% alcohol if you’re out in public places and not near a bathroom.
- Avoid traveling to countries that have been affected by COVID-19
- Wash laundry thoroughly
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid sharing household items if you have a loved one who has been infected with the virus.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household.
Q: How do you treat Coronavirus?
There is no specific treatment for the Coronavirus. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. They should also limit movement and contact with people and animals to avoid spreading the disease.
Q: Is there a vaccine for Coronavirus?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus disease 2019.The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Q: Should I wear a face mask?
The following is the CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask:
- The CDC now recommends that everyone wears a face mask in public to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- Surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers or other medical first responders, as recommended by CDC guidance.
- Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.
- Face cloths and masks should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use (can be used in a washer machine and dried).
Q: How many cases of Coronavirus are we seeing in Connecticut?
*Updated for the week of April 21, 2020:
- 20,360 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents
- Cases have been reported in all 8 Connecticut counties.
- 1,949 patients are currently hospitalized.
- 1,423 residents have died.
This is an evolving situation and we will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.
Q: Are pregnant women more susceptible to infection, or at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality with COVID-19, compared with the general public?
Please see the following link to the CDC website for more detail about COVID-19 and Pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Pregnancy
For more information on testing, or if you think you may have contracted Coronavirus, please call The Connecticut Dep't. of Public Health at 860-509-8000.
