Below are answers to some common questions related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Please be aware that evolving public health guidelines related to COVID-19 may necessitate ongoing modifications to the following information. Doylestown Health remains attentive to changes and flexible to the needs and safety of patients, community and staff.
Read the most up-to-date information about Doylestown Health's COVID-19 response.
Can I Donate Supplies or Goods to Doylestown Hospital?
Doylestown Health is very appreciative of the many offers we are receiving to donate equipment or supply materials for the protection of our patients and staff. There is a critical shortage of surgical masks. We, at Doylestown Health, continue to operate at full capacity and desperately need to protect our workforce as we continue to serve our shared community.
Doylestown Health Foundation is compiling your offers for assistance, both in-kind donations of goods and supplies as well as direct contributions of funds. Our staff and patients are grateful for your proactive outreach to us. Your kindness is a powerful and uplifting message for all of us.
Support Doylestown Health's Response to COVID-19
Should I postpone treatments or procedures?
Routine screening studies (e.g., mammography and DEXA) are suspended at this time, unless a physician determines it necessary for the health and safety of the patient.
Speak to your physician about the risks and benefits of maintaining your healthcare appointments. For some patients, missing an appointment or postponing a procedure may be detrimental. Please follow you physician’s discretion.
How can I protect myself?
The CDC recommends that you take the usual precautions for avoiding respiratory viruses, including the seasonal flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially with unclean hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Clean surfaces you often touch.
- Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick.
- Standard household cleansers and wipes are effective in cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The CDC does not recommend that healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Only wear a mask if a healthcare provider tells you to do so.
What should I do if I experience COVID-19 symptoms?
If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact your primary care provider to determine if you should first be screened for COVID-19. Symptoms are similar for other conditions, such as seasonal flu.
How long does it take for symptoms of the COVID-19 to appear?
The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days, or as long as 14 days after exposure. To be cautious, public health authorities are requiring an isolation period of 14 days for people returning from high-risk areas.
How can I be tested for COVID-19?
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 testing, please visit our Coronavirus Information page.
What if I don’t have a Primary Care Provider?
Please visit the Find a Doctor section of our website for a complete listing of Doylestown Health Medical Staff primary care providers. You may also call the Bucks County Department of Health at 215-345-3318 to ask about screening options.
Does the flu shot help prevent COVID-19?
A vaccine for this coronavirus is not available at this time. The seasonal flu vaccine does not prevent the coronavirus; however, it does prevent the seasonal flu, which remains a threat to our community health.
How is COVID-19 treated?
There is currently no FDA approved medication for COVID-19. Many people have mild symptoms and should receive supportive care at home such as rest, fluids and fever control.
Can I visit a non-COVID-19 related patient at Doylestown Hospital?
The health and safety of all Doylestown Hospital inpatients is of utmost importance to us. Because COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus, we have taken measures to protect all patients and staff by limiting exposure. The following are our current visitor restrictions:
- Only one visitor may visit a patient in the Maternity Center
- Only two visitors may visit a patient in the Pediatric Center
- Only one visitor at a time for those in end-of-life situations
- All authorized visitors must enter through the Main Lobby and receive a badge
- Seating areas in the Café and Snack Bar are closed. All food orders are take-out only.
Public entrances to the hospital are limited to three doors – the Emergency Department, Main Lobby and Gorsky Atrium (Heart Center). The ArtWalk and Pavilion Bridge is now closed to public traffic. Only authorized individuals can gain access to these areas. However, all doors will operate as exits.
What is Doylestown Health doing to prepare and stay updated?
Our medical professionals were preparing for the arrival of this infectious disease long before it threatened America and our local community. We are following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and cooperating with the Bucks County and Pennsylvania Department of Health
What precautions are being taken at the Pine Run Retirement Community?
Protecting our most vulnerable patients is our highest priority. Stay up-to-date about visiting restrictions and other preventive measures occurring at Pine Run Community.
Pine Run Coronavirus Response
Are Doylestown Health events canceled?
Community education programs and support groups sponsored by Doylestown Health are canceled. Whenever possible they will be held via teleconference or webinar.
In lieu of in-person classes, prenatal and childbirth education resources can be found online.
Learn about online childbirth education resources
Where do I go if I have questions?
Guidelines and recommendations from the Department of Health and CDC are updated regularly. Please visit these websites for the most recent information:
Doylestown Health has established a COVID-19 hotline (267-885-1722) or you may email questions to ContactDH@dh.org. We strive to answer any emails within 24 hours, but please expect a delay during times of high volume. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
About Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of all members of the local and regional community. Doylestown Hospital, the flagship to Doylestown Health has 239 beds and a Medical Staff of more than 435 physicians in over 50 specialties. An independent nonprofit health system, Doylestown Health is dedicated to providing innovative, patient-centered care for all ages.