COVID-19: Important Information from Sharp Community

Stay in your best health in your community.

At Sharp Community Medical Group, we understand you may have questions about your health and how to access care near you. You can rest easy knowing that high quality care options are available, conveniently from your home or located right in your neighborhood. Now more than ever, it's important to get the care you need wherever you are.

In this ever-changing climate, please find details on what to do if you are not feeling well, the best ways to reach your Sharp Community doctor and receive care, COVID-19 vaccination, testing, health tips and more.

Call your doctor first.

If you are not feeling well, call your Sharp Community doctor before going to their office or to any of our contracted urgent care and MinuteClinic locations. Your doctor will advise you on the best way to receive the care you need without compromising your health, and the health of other patients and their staff.

If you do not have a Sharp Community primary care doctor, call 858-499-2550 or toll-free at 1-877-518-7264.

Try a video and phone visit.

If you would like to learn about alternative ways to be seen by your doctor, please call your Sharp Community doctor's office. Many doctors are now offering video and phone visits, which are convenient and safe.

COVID-19 vaccine.

There are now four vaccines approved under emergency use in the United States: one each from Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Novavax. Read Sharp's frequently asked questions to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 testing.

We understand your concerns about the opportunity to get tested and the availability of tests. Not everyone will be tested for coronavirus. If you think you need to be tested, contact your Sharp Community primary care doctor. Your doctor will advise you on where to go for testing if appropriate.

To determine who should be tested, Sharp Community uses the guidelines and criteria set forth by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency:

• Hospitalized patients who have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19.
• Other symptomatic individuals who are considered high-risk for COVID-19. These include: older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions and/or an immunocompromised state (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, receiving immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease).
• Any persons, including health care personnel, who had close contact with a suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset.

Health tips to prevent COVID-19.

The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you're sick.
• Cover your entire mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into your bent elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Other tips to stay healthy:

• Practice social distancing: stay six feet away from others and avoid large gatherings.
• Store a two-week supply of food and beverages, including food for family pets.
• Ensure you have a two-week supply of prescribed and routine medications on hand. If you need refills, contact your pharmacy.
• Plan ways to care for those who are at greater risk for serious complications and who will take care of sick family members.

If you are sick, please stay home. Call your Sharp Community primary care doctor if you feel your illness is severe enough to require care. If you do not have a doctor, call 858-499-2550 or toll-free at 1-877-518-7264.

More information from our health system partners.

Sharp HealthCare and Palomar Health have answers to your coronavirus questions regarding hospital visitor restrictions, elective surgeries, donations, infection prevention measures and more.

• Sharp HealthCare
• Palomar Health

Our Sharp Community-affiliated doctors are committed to keeping you healthy. Through Sharp Health News our doctors and other experts at Sharp HealthCare have shared information and advice to help you and your loved ones stay well during this difficult time.

For Sharp Community Medical Group physicians.

The health and safety of our affiliated physicians and practice staff is important and we want to keep you informed with the latest news, information and guidelines concerning the fast-moving COVID-19 disease. View more.