
Mary Washington Healthcare facilities are open and safe for patients. We take extra steps to clean our facilities to make them as safe as possible. Our nurses, medical staff, and other associates wear masks inside our facilities, and you will be given a mask if you don't have one already.
We closely follow information and recommendations from the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to stay current on confirmed cases and ensure we offer the best care to the people we serve. We also collaborate with other local health organizations, like the Rappahanock Area Health District, to monitor the health of our community.
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory infection; symptoms include cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Most patients also experience at least two of these symptoms: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:
As someone who has recovered from COVID-19, you may be in a unique position to help those still suffering. For our sickest patients in the hospital fighting to recover, convalescent plasma treatments have shown promising results. If you are interested in donating plasma, please click below for more information from the American Red Cross.
Donate plasma to the Red Cross
If you are very sick, get medical attention immediately. If you develop one of these symptoms, seek emergency care.
Note there are many other reasons for seeking emergency care. Do not delay care if you are concerned for your safety. If you are unsure what level of care you need, call the Health Link Nurse Line at 540.741.1000 for an assessment and nurse advice.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing at MWHC.
Temperature checks and masks are required for anyone entering Mary Washington Healthcare facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Our focus is always on the health and safety of our patients, Associates, and community. All entrances during this time, excluding the main entrances and emergency department entrances, will be closed.
Patients coming for an appointment will be given a mask if they have a registered temperature and allowed to enter for their appointment.
If you are experiencing a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care provider.
If you have questions about COVID-19 or need guidance on where to get tested, please call Mary Washington Healthcare Health Link at 540.741.1100. Follow us on social media for the latest COVID-19 updates.
The safest place for you to be in a medical emergency is under the care of skilled clinical and medical personnel. If you are having a medical emergency, such as chest pain or stroke, do not delay care because of fear of COVID-19. Call 911, and the first responders will transport you safely to the hospital.
If you are still unsure if you should come to the emergency room, please call our Health Link nurse advice line from 7:00 a.m.-midnight, 365 days a year. You can reach them at 540.741.1000.
We recommend that you not cancel or delay any appointment you have scheduled. You should proceed with your healthcare as previously planned.
Any changes to these recommendations will be published on this page and on our Facebook page.
Si su médico le ha programado una cirugía o un procedimiento, por favor haga click aquí para ver un listado importante de los pasos que deberá seguir para protegerle a usted y a nuestro personal.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone age 5 and over in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit vaccinefinder.org or vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock to find a location near you.
Please click here to see our updated visitation guidelines.
If you experience COVID-19 symptoms but do not require immediate medical attention, it’s recommended you stay at home to recover and prevent the spread of illness. If you have trouble breathing or have flu-like symptoms that do not improve, call your provider before visiting the office or hospital. For the protection of other patients, you will be asked to wear a face mask prior to arriving.
In this video clip below, Mary Washington Healthcare physicians, Dr. Richard Lewis and Dr. Steve Mandell, advise our community of where to seek care if you have respiratory symptoms or exposure to COVID-19.
You can also call 540.741.1000 to talk to an MWHC nurse to determine your best level of care based on your symptoms.
Image from the CDC website.
In the interest of public safety and the health of our community:
Mary Washington Medical Laboratories, Medical Group practices, Mary Washington Eye Care Center and Medical Arts Pharmacy are OPEN and maintaining their regular hours. If you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms, please call ahead before your appointment.
We appreciate your understanding as we respond to the health needs of our community.
As always, good hygiene and proper handwashing techniques are best practices to keep you and your family healthy.
According to the CDC guidance on handwashing, these five steps will help prevent the spread of germs:
Other ways to stay healthy:
Dr. Steve Mandell on the importance of social distancing:
Please visit our COVID-19 pregnancy and breastfeeding page for the most up-to-date guidance and information.
Download the coronavirus journal
"We have all been inspired by the generosity of so many individuals in Virginia since COVID-19 began impacting the Commonwealth," said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Daniel Carey, MD. "We need all hands on deck as we expand our health system capacity in the weeks ahead. Now more than ever, joining the MRC is a great way to take action and give back to your community in a meaningful way."
Individuals with or without medical training are encouraged to apply to the Medical Reserve Corps, Virginia’s dedicated force of volunteers in times of crisis.
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is made up of teams of health professionals, as well as community members, who volunteer their time and expertise to help save lives.
To become a Virginia Medical Reserve Corps volunteer, please visit Virginia Volunteer Health System (www.vamrc.org). Once you apply, your application is immediately forwarded to the MRC coordinator in your area. Applications that are incomplete after 2 weeks will be deleted. If you need assistance, please email vamrc@vdh.virginia.gov.