The University of Miami Health System is closely monitoring the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. University and health system leaders are working closely with government and public health agencies and continue to follow guidelines from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.
To better protect our patients and health care providers, we are providing masks to all patients who visit our UHealth locations in person. If you arrive with a cloth mask, scarf or bandana, we will provide a mask. Thank you for your understanding.
Your Appointment
Rest assured, we have amplified our already-intensive cleaning and disinfecting practices throughout all of our facilities and are screening all patients (visitors are not allowed).
At this time, UHealth is only treating patients with urgent and emergent needs that require immediate attention. All scheduled elective, non-urgent appointments, surgeries and procedures have been cancelled. If your appointment has been or will be affected by these changes, you will be contacted by our appointment office. We appreciate your patience as we implement these changes.
For medical emergencies, call 911. For urgent medical matters, please contact your doctor’s office.
You may also communicate with your doctor and request prescription refills through www.MyUHealthChart.com.
When you arrive
- We are actively screening all patients and visitors at our facilities. Please arrive early to your appointment time to allow time for these screening protocols. When you arrive for your appointment, look for signs that will direct you where to go.
- A tent has been installed outside the UHealth Tower Emergency Department to screen and isolate people, as needed.
- We will ask about your symptoms and travel history, including if you have traveled to impacted countries.
- Appointments are accepted by phone only. Call 305-243-4000.
- To minimize the risk of exposure for all, ANY person who presents with a positive response to the screening questions will be placed in a dedicated isolated space.
Where can I be tested for COVID-19?
South Florida residents who wish to seek additional information about COVID-19 testing, should refer to their local county's web site for testing criteria, locations and hours of operation.
- Miami-Dade County (Scroll to Latest Updates, then click on Testing)
- Broward County
- Palm Beach County
Ways You Can Help
We are humbled by the generosity of the members of our community who have asked how they can help support our staff and patients during the outbreak. With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of our patients, healthcare workers, researchers, staff members and our community.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the novel coronavirus behind the global respiratory illness outbreak. First reported in December 2019 in China, the disease has rapidly spread to many countries, including the United States.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms
- Fever
- Dry Cough
- Fatigue
Uncommon Symptoms
- Sore throat
- Runny Nose
- Diarrhea
If you are experiencing symptoms, please call 305-243-4000.
Who is most at risk?
Based on preliminary findings, it appears that certain populations may be more prone to developing a severe illness and death. These include people who:
- Are aged 60 or older.
- Have an underlying medical condition, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, or cancer.
COVID-19 Cases in the U.S.
For daily updates on the number of novel coronavirus cases in the United States, visit the CDC website.
In addition, you can find the current statistics at the World Health Organization.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and officials believe that COVID-19 will continue to spread, so it is important to stay alert. For the latest information on cases in Florida, visit the Florida Department of Health.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is spread from human to human contact most likely within 6 feet. When someone is ill, and they cough or sneeze, the virus can be passed to someone else through the saliva droplets in the air which can land on or be inhaled by people nearby.
It is not yet known how long COVID-19 can live on surfaces or if someone who is asymptomatic can also spread the disease. The incubation period, or the time between when someone is infected to when they start to show symptoms, is thought to be anywhere from 2 to 14 days.
According to the CDC, the virus is easily transmitted, and the outbreak has transitioned into “community spread.” This means that there are now cases in the U.S. that cannot be traced back to how or where the infection occurred.
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
Call 305-243-4000 or your nearest hospital if you believe that you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and:
- Have travelled outside of the US, particularly to China, Italy, South Korea, Japan, or Iran
- Been exposed to someone who has tested positive for virus, or
- Are in a community with known COVID-19 cases
Are there treatments for COVID-19?
Currently, there are no treatments or vaccines for the virus. However, there is already a clinical trial for a potential anti-viral medication and researchers are working diligently on producing a vaccine.
Prevention starts with you
Give yourself the best chance to not get sick. You’ll find that they are the same things that everyone should be doing already to protect against the flu or common cold. They are also something you can do to help your community by making it harder for COVID-19 to spread.
- Wash your hands. This is one of the most important things you can do – regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant, particularly of heavily used items like desks, phones, doorknobs, etc.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth and eyes.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- If you have to sneeze, cough or blow your nose, use a tissue and immediately throw it away in a closed bin.
The CDC does NOT recommend wearing a surgical mask to protect you from COVID-19. Also, public health officials are requesting that people not purchase N95 facemasks. These are intended for healthcare professionals who are taking care of patients who have contracted the disease.
Community level prevention
If COVID-19 is spreading within your community, public health officials may ask you to take extra precautions. These might include:
- Social distancing: keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
- Stay home if someone else in your household is sick so that you do not pass the virus to others.
- Cancel or postpone events with large crowds.
- Set up a separate room for sick household members.
- Check in with family and friends who live alone — especially if they have chronic diseases.
- Ask friends and family to check in with you if you become sick.
Additional resources
Since this situation changes regularly, it is important to keep up-to-date. However, there are many inaccurate sources of information out there. In addition to listening to your local officials, these sites have many resources on the current status of the COVID-19 epidemic and how to protect yourself and your community.
- Florida Department of Health COVID-19 information
- US Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 information
- World Health Organization COVID-19 information
- Johns Hopkins Live Dashboard of COVID-19 information
- Pandemic Preparedness
The Florida Department of Health has set up a hotline for people in Florida who have questions about COVID-19. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 866-779-6121. Or, email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.