Contra Costa Health Services Issues Provider Health Alert Update for COVID-19 March 11, 2020 General COVID-19, Public Health Last night, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) issued a “ Provider Health Alert Update ” for COVID-19 that supersedes previous guidance. The guidance was issued to assist providers in mitigating community spread of COVID-19. Physicians are encouraged to read the Health Alert in its entirety; key recommendations include: Most people infected with COVID-19 will have mild disease; accordingly, healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients with mild symptoms not requiring medical care to stay at home and to only seek medical attention when symptoms worsen. The latest CDC guidance states that clinicians should use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Clinicians are strongly encouraged to test for other causes of respiratory illness such as flu. Please read the Health Alert for guidance on highest priority patients for testing. Advise patients that are not hospitalized that they should remain in home isolation until they receive the results of their test. Have patients sign the home isolation agreement and fax their form to Contra Costa Public Health at 925-313-6465. Click here for access to forms and documents. Please read the Health Alert in its entirety for additional information, including actions required of health care professionals and information about patient testing. IMPORTANT: This Health Alert is issued by Contra Costa County for Contra Costa County patients.