Baptist Health Jacksonville: Expect long wait times in the ER ‘due to the surge in COVID-19′

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE: A Baptist Health Jacksonville spokesperson gave Action News Jax new information, saying they are NOT at maximum capacity, but to still expect long wait times if you are coming in for a non-emergency.

Baptist Health took down previous posts about being at “maximum capacity” from its social media pages.

LIST: Here are places in the Jacksonville area, nationwide that are requiring masks again

Baptist posted the following updated information on its social media pages on Thursday afternoon:

“ER Update: We sincerely apologize for the error in our recent social media post regarding our Emergency Room capacity. Our intention was to convey that our Emergency Rooms are extremely busy and you may experience longer than normal wait times.

“A patient having an actual emergency such as a heart attack or stroke will be seen right away. Someone suffering from a less critical condition may experience a longer wait time, depending on the number of patients at the facility and their needs. If people are experiencing an emergency, they should get to an ER ASAP. Wait times also change throughout the day in each of our 9 locations.

“If you are experiencing a minor health issue, please consider visiting your primary care office. If you would like a COVID-19 test, there are several free sites listed below. If you do not have a primary care physician, please call 202.4YOU (202.4968), and we can assist you in finding a doctor in your area.

“We apologize to anyone who has experienced an unusually long wait time in one of our Emergency Centers. We are caring for patients with critical emergencies first. In addition, with the increase in ER visits due to the surge in COVID-19, our wait times are higher than usual.

“FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITES

Please bring a valid form of ID.

Agape Family Health - Northside

1680 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville

Thursday & Friday, 11 am - 6 pm

Phone: 904-760-4904

Agape Family Health - Westside

5460 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville

Monday - Wednesday, 11 am - 6 pm

Phone: 904-760-4904

Department of Health

515 West 6th St., Jacksonville

Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm (walk-up)

Mission House (Rapid Testing)

800 Shetter Ave., Jax Beach

Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm

Sulzbacher Center

611 E Adams St., Jacksonville

Monday – Friday, 8 – 11:30 am”

RELATED: Where to get a free COVID-19 test in the Jacksonville area

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