When things get thick, it is helpful to slow down and make a list of important things you would need to take care of just in case something serious happens. If you are a pre-planning sort of person, you probably already have this list.

If you aren’t, then perhaps you are making this now. When making this list, we have a list of FAQs to ask yourself for different scenarios. If you are feeling symptoms of coronavirus, you are to call your doctor first, as recommended by the CDC, Dutchess County and New York State. health officials

You can only get tested with a doctor’s prescription. As of now, 3/31/2020, the tests do have a turnaround time of more than one day. So you need not panic, you just need to call your doctor, monitor your symptoms, and help yourself stay comfortable as you fight it out. Lots of people self-resolve (get better on their own, without involving formal medical treatment).

What if I don't have a doctor?

If you don’t have a doctor, you can find a federally qualified health center here: www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

Run a search for 12508 Beacon, and you’ll get these results.

They include: Hudson River Healthcare Beacon, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, and Mobile Health Vans 1, 2 and 3.

What if I am calling after my doctor's office’s regular hours?

Unless you are in an emergency, call in the morning. If you want to talk to someone to point you in a direction, you could call the New York State Coronavirus Hotline: 888-364-3065. If you are in an emergency, call 911.

As of 3/31/2020, a representative at the New York State Coronavirus Hotline says that testing is not instantaneous. “Because of how high the demand is,” the representative said, “it is limited to highest-risk groups. Like medical staff, or people who have been in direct contact.” If you’re curious, you can see the list of current testing sites here at Dutchess County’s website.

If you are feeling extra anxious, you can call Mental and Emotional support hotlines that New York State set up:

New York State COVID-19 Emotional Counseling Hotline: 844-863-9314
Open 8 am to 10 pm, seven days a week (this has really nice hold music!)
Call and talk about your feelings. They will listen, and give you resources if necessary.
Tele-mental-health, 24/7 (stress, anxiety, depression, drugs and alcohol): 888-692-9355

What do I need on my doctor list?

For anyone calling the doctor for yourself or your family, you will need this basic information, maybe a little more. But have at least this information for each member of your family in a convenient place, maybe on a piece of paper on your refrigerator:

Full legal name (your name or that of your partner or children)
Date of birth
Social Security number
Doctor’s name
Doctor’s phone number

Keep in mind, lots of people self-resolve. Be sure to look at the people who have recovered, who left the hospital, who maybe never went to the hospital, etc. Being prepared in your own house is a great first step to feeling at ease.