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Baptist Health Opens a New Drive-Up Coronavirus Care Clinic in Prattville by Appointment Only

By Andrew Edwards

Dr. Wick Many, at left, speaks during the press conference Monday, as Mayor Bill Gillespie looks on.

Staff Writer

To help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Baptist Health is opening a drive-through clinic located at 350 County Road 4 West in Prattville.

Anyone that believes they may have symptoms, should call 334-747-0105 to make an appointment; no patients will be seen without an appointment.

The clinic will operate in a 24/7 phone line, and will be staffed by Baptist Hospital personnel.

When you call, the patient will be asked a series of questions per the Center for Disease Control procedures. If the patient meets the certain criteria, they will be instructed to come to the clinic at a specific time and in a designated parking space. A screening administered in the car prevents the spreading of germs in a waiting room setting. A clinician will access symptoms and administer screening if needed. Once swabbed, the patient will receive clear next steps from the medical provider.

Russ Tyner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health, implores people to use this clinic if they feel like they have the symptoms of COVID-19, which include a substantial fever (over 100 degrees), extreme fatigue, harsh cough and shortness of breath.

“Do not go to your primary physician, ER, etc. Pick up the phone and call the hotline. You will immediately be connected to a physician that will help you work through the signs and symptoms and try to understand what the next steps are,” Tyner said.

President/CEO of Baptist Health Russ Tyner speaks during the press conference Monday in Prattville.

Dr. Wick Many, Infectious Disease Specialist in Montgomery, explains the difference between the virus and other sickness during this time of year.

“If you have a scratchy throat, runny nose or itchy eyes – don’t call in. Those are not symptoms of COVID-19. Fever, cough, feeling lousy and shortness of breath are what you need to look out for,” Many said.

Tyner went on to say the clinic has adequate testing supplies and personal protection equipment in their facility for the foreseeable future.

“That foreseeable future is at (at least) a week. We are taking this a week at a time. We are making contingency plans that extend months into the future, but when we look at our supplies, we know that they are adequate for what we expect over the coming week. We think we can manage through that fairly easily this week if we see what we expect to see,” Tyner said.

Tyner also made it a point to say they have a tight inventory in regards to their number of ventilators, but that they have plenty at the moment.

“We’re comfortable with the number of ventilators we have at the moment, and the shortage is not something that is at the top of our worry list. We have to prioritize our clinics and make sure that they and their families are taken care of. The workers sacrifice on our behalf,” Tyner said.

Clinic hours are available to the public from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.