LITTLE ROCK - UAMS HealthNow has begun offering free screenings for all Arkansans who have questions about whether they may have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

UAMS HealthNow is the 24-hour digital connection to health care professionals that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) began in January.

People who have symptoms and who have been exposed to COVID-19 are urged not to visit a physician's office, urgent care clinic, emergency room or hospital without first talking to the facility and getting instructions on how to prevent spreading the virus to health care providers and other patients.

Using a screening tool with a series of questions about their symptoms, age, overall health, travel and other potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus, UAMS HealthNow will guide patients regarding next steps, if any. This may include advice to contact their local physician for further evaluation and possible testing for the virus.

To access UAMS HealthNow, go to UAMSHealth.com/healthnow and click on the screening tool. This service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to patients of all ages across the state of Arkansas and can be accessed from a smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer.