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UPDATED COVID-19 BIVALENT VACCINE IS NOW AVAILABLE for eligible patients.
Vaccines are our best tool in the fight against COVID-19. Stay up to date with your vaccinations. If you are unsure if you are due for an updated vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider or discuss with your provider during your next visit. Vaccines are available at all El Rio locations.
COVID-19 TREATMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFYING PATIENTS
Most vaccinated people have mild COVID-19 illness and can recover at home without medical care.

If you tested POSITIVE and have mild to moderate cold-like symptoms

  • Contact your healthcare provider to determine if treatment is right for you.
  • Stay at home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are improving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • If you have a fever, continue to stay at home until your fever resolves.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days.
  • If your symptoms are concerning, please call your primary care provider for a telehealth visit (520-670-3909) or message your care team on MyChart patient portal.

If you have severe symptoms or shortness of breath

  • Please seek immediate care at the closest emergency department.
COVID-19 Home Testing Information

If you used a COVID home test kit and your result is POSITIVE

  • You have COVID and do NOT need to confirm result with another test.
  • Contact your healthcare provider to determine if treatment is needed.

If you used a COVID home test kit and your result is NEGATIVE

  • You should repeat the COVID home test in 48 hours if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID
  • If second test negative you most likely do not have COVID but if symptoms persist notify your primary care team
  • If second test positive you have COVID and do not need to confirm the result with another test
  • Contact your healthcare provider to determine if treatment is needed.

If you tested POSITIVE but have NO symptoms

  • Stay at home for 5 days.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or make your way to the nearest Emergency Department.
Emergency warning signs for COVID-19 include:
  • Difficulty getting breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Change in alertness or responsiveness
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Rapid breathing

*These symptoms listed are not all inclusive.

 

Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

El Rio patients may contact nurse triage by phone 24/7 by calling (520) 670-3909.

Our team will help you decide if you need to be seen, evaluated or tested. We can help patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 decide what to do.

 

In accordance with local health department recommendations, El Rio may enact certain policies to protect patients and staff.  These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Requiring patients and visitors to wear a mask or face covering.
  • Asking patients to limit their visit to themselves. Minor children may bring one parent or guardian.
  • Requesting patients or visitors who are experiencing signs of illness to check in with the receptionist immediately.

Prior to your visit, please reference instructions given by Patient Communications Representatives and posted signage at our health centers.  Thank you for your understanding and helping to protect our community.

 

COVID-19 Testing Sites:

For more information about testing sites, please visit: Pima County COVID-19 Testing Centers – Pima County

 

How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is spread when a person who has the virus coughs or sneezes and respiratory droplets are inhaled, like the flu or the common cold. It may also be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface where the virus is present and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

 

Things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses:

Like the flu or the common cold, COVID-19 is spread person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes and respiratory droplets are inhaled. It may also be possible to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface where the virus is present and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Keep your hands away from your face
  • Avoid sick people, if you can
  • Stay home if you’re sick
  • Cover your cough and sneeze into a tissue, then toss the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands again 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched areas 

 

Potential Fraud Related to COVID-19

Please be aware that criminals are attempting to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams. Visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus to learn more and how to stay alert.

 

Additional Resources:

Covid-19 Vaccine Advice If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding (English)
Covid-19 Vaccine Advice If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding (Spanish)
Pima County Health Department COVID-19 Website
CDC COVID-19 Website
Cox Communications Connect2Compete Program
Covid-19 Fact Sheets in 3o+ Languages