Facts and information about the coronavirus pandemic are changing rapidly. Visit the CDC site for the most up-to-date information during the COVID-19 outbreak.

We know you have a lot of questions surrounding Coronavirus. We asked our physicians to answer your questions.  

If you are sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19:

If you think you may have COVID-19, follow these steps to care for yourself and to prevent spreading the virus to other people in your household and community. 

• • Call your doctor’s office to make an appointment or use our online screening form. Let them know you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 . Your doctor may recommend COVID-19 testing. Do not walk into a clinic without an appointment if you think you may have COVID-19. 
  • Stay home except to seek medical care. Do not go to any public areas or share transportation. 
  • Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. 
  • Isolate from others in your home. If possible, try to stay in one room in your home away from others and use a separate bathroom. If you have to be around other people in the home, wear a face mask. 
  • Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your home like dishes, towels or bedding. 
  • Clean all surfaces that are touched often like door knobs, counter tops, and light switches. 
  • Stay in touch with your doctor. Monitor your symptoms carefully and contact your physician immediately if symptoms get worse. 
  • If you have trouble breathing or experience emergency symptoms, call 911. 
  • Visit the CDC website for more information and the Spanish Version. 
• Other hotlines and resources in Arkansas
  • Arkansas Department of Health 24-hour hotline: 1-800-554-5738
  • For children, Arkansas Children’s Hospital 24-hotline: -800-743-3616.
  • FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, CALL 9-1-1 and let them know your symptoms. 

Should I keep my regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment?

• MANA is now offering TeleVisits, which is a real-time appointment by smartphone, tablet, or computer. A nurse practitioner or doctor will go through your symptoms, recommend next steps or treatment, and can even send a prescription if you need one. If you are interested in a TeleVisit, please contact the receptionists to see if a TeleVisit is right for you.
• When you come to the clinic to be seen, please know that we are taking every precaution to keep you healthy. We are separating sick patients from well patients. We are actively screening patients and staff daily for symptoms and asking those that are sick to stay home. We are frequently cleaning and disinfecting exam rooms and high touch surfaces.

Can I go out to places other than the doctor’s office?

• If you are sick, stay home.
• We are encouraging people to stay home as much as possible. Remember, the best weapon against this virus is avoiding social contacts.
• Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.  
• If you are out, try to stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Try to go at times when crowds will be low. 

Should I wear a mask when I go out?

• The CDC recommends people wear cloth masks when you go out in public in situations where you are not able to stay six feet apart to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about types of face masks 

Who exactly is a “high-risk” person and what does that mean?

• A high-risk person is someone that has the potential for a more severe respiratory illness if they get COVID-19
• High-risk people include:
  • Those who are over the age of 65
  • Those with underlying chronic illnesses including, but not limited to, lung disease (such as COPD, asthma, interstitial lung diseases), heart disease, and diabetes
  • Those who are immunocompromised
  • Any healthcare worker
  • Those persons with known close personal contact to a COVID-19 confirmed case

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based (greater than 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Do not visit high-risk people like grandparents and avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people. Playdates are not a good idea at this time. Facetime and Zoom are a great alternative for keeping up with family and friends.
• Eat healthily and get regular exercise to stay healthy. Outside exercise is fine, but stay 6 feet apart from anyone you pass.
• Again, stay home when possible! This means working from home if you are able.