FORT WORTH, Texas — Cook Children’s Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centers are experiencing a second large wave of parents bringing in their kids under the pretense of potential COVID-19 exposure, but with no symptoms. As a result, wait times have increased at all locations, causing an additional strain on the health care system.
The facility recommends at-home COVID tests or scheduling an appointment at testing locations, such as a pharmacy, to avoid volume issues. Other than that, you’re asked to steer clear of Cook Children’s for COVID testing.
Cook Children’s said that on Monday its staff saw 614 patients, which amounts to a patient checking in every two minutes, 24 hours, nonstop. They explained this is nearly two times the number of patients that’s usually seen in emergency. Their eight Urgent Care Centers (UCC) took 873 patients, also out of the normal.
“We are seeing patient volumes equivalent to our worst winters, and it’s taking a toll on our staff,” said Kara Starnes, D.O., medical director of Cook Children’s Urgent Care. “We need everyone’s help by staying home if you only need a COVID test or if your child has mild symptoms.”
Positive COVID tests are at 23% at Cook Children’s UCCs. However, Dr. Starnes shared that there is an uptick in colds.
“If your child tests positive for COVID at home, you can trust the test. You don’t need to have a health care provider confirm the results,” Dr. Starnes said. “If a COVID test comes back negative, it’s safe to monitor minor symptoms at home and re-test in 48 hours.”
In August 2021, Cook Children’s had a similar incident of increased patient influx, which they said was likely due to the return to school.
The ED should only be used for COVID-19 symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Cook Children’s also suggests limiting the number of people you bring if possible.