If your medical concern is not an emergency, call your healthcare provider before going to the hospital.

Your provider will ask you some questions to determine how urgent your concern is, whether you need to go in for some tests, or how you can safely go to the hospital if you need to get tested for COVID-19.

If possible, drive yourself to the hospital. In the event that you cannot drive yourself, be sure to keep as much distance as possible between you and the driver, wear a cloth face covering, and ensure proper ventilation by rolling the windows down.

Do not use public transportation.

When going to the hospital to seek medical care or testing for COVID-19, you must wear a surgical mask. This is your first line of defense against droplets in the air that might be carrying COVID-19. If you don’t have surgical masks, a cloth face covering is the next best personal protective equipment.

It is important to note that infants and children under 2 years of age should not wear cloth face coverings, and children from 2 to 8 years old should wear a mask under adult supervision to ensure that they can breathe safely and to avoid suffocation or choking.

A mask or cloth face covering is not meant to be placed on anyone who is experiencing difficulty in breathing or is unable to remove it without someone else’s help. It is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider if you are having trouble wearing a mask.

Source: CA Public Health