COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions

Some of this information will change as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.  Lone Star Circle of Care will continue to follow the latest guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Williamson County Health District, Austin Public Health, Houston Health Department and other health agencies.  We appreciate the trust you place in us and will continue to keep you informed.  Appointments can be scheduled online through our portal available at www.LoneStarCares.org or by phone at 877-800-5722.

If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, or someone in your household has a viral illness, please call 877-800-5722 rather than going directly to the clinic. You will receive specific instructions regarding your care. You can also use the on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html.

The majority of COVID-19 illnesses are mild and do not require a visit to your healthcare provider. You should leave only if you need to seek medical care for severe symptoms. We can offer an appointment by phone or video to help you decide if an in-person visit is necessary.

On their website, the CDC recommends that you:

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace.

Yes. Testing is available at Lone Star Circle of Care.

Yes. Lone Star Circle of Care offers virtual visits.

We share this concern, and that’s why we’ve made some important changes:

  • Lone Star Circle of Care follows CDC infection control guidelines.
  • Lone Star Circle of Care requires masking for all patients and staff.
  • Upon arrival, a staff member will greet you and screen you and any guest for symptoms of potential viral illness, including taking your temperature.
  • We are additionally closing clinics one hour early to allow for extra cleaning on top of our standard infection prevention protocols.
  • Vaccination of staff and patients is on-going. 

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath. To check your symptoms, use the CDC's online symptom checker by clicking this link:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html

People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Some people appear to be at higher risk for serious illness related to COVID-19.  These people include older adults and people who have serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. It is important to use activities like good hand washing, disinfection of surfaces, staying away from sick people and contacting your healthcare provider if you develop signs of illness.  It is also important to make sure you have plenty of your usual medications at home.