Prince William coronavirus call center sees massive increase in calls

With school, work, and public facility closures, as well as the 131 cases of coronavirus in Prince William County alone, as of today, the world is feeling like a rather frightening place.

To alleviate some of that fear, the Prince William County Health District has created a coronavirus call center, where people can ask general questions about the virus or discuss what to do if they experience symptoms of the disease. 

The call center was set up in early March. Just two short weeks ago, they were footing six to seven calls a day. But now, they are receiving sixty to seventy, about a 900% increase.

The calls are answered by Medical Reserve Corps members, clinicians, and nursing students. The calls can be taken both in English and Spanish. 

“When people call, they are calling with a concern. At the center, we listen to their concerns and alleviate their COVID-19 fears with respect and dignity,” said Amanda Davis, the Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator for the Prince William County Health District. 

Once the call comes in, operators direct callers to four separate lines.

• The first is for those who do not have questions about coronavirus and want to contact the Prince William County Health District. 
• The second is for those who have general questions about coronavirus. 
• The third is for those who believe they have symptoms of coronavirus or physicians who have questions regarding a patient who may have it.
• The fourth is for medical provider offices who have general questions about coronavirus.

If someone contacts the center and thinks they have coronavirus they will be directed to a clinician who will triage them (ask about their symptoms, etc), and from there they will be told to monitor it if it gets worse and talk to their primary care physician. 

“We always want people to go to their primary care first before contacting the call center,” said Davis. 

To contact the call center, call 703-872-7759. Other general coronavirus information can be found on the Prince William County Health District website.

In addition to the 131 reported cases of coronavirus in Prince William County, locally, there are 13 cases in Manassas and two cases in Manassas Park.

Statewide, there are 2,012 cases (306 more than yesterday), 312 people hospitalized (66 more than yesterday), and 46 deaths (five more than yesterday).

Nationwide, there are 213,144 cases as of April 2 (27,043 more than the previous day) and 4,513 deaths (910 more than the previous day).