What precautionary actions are being taken to safeguard our facilities?
A: We are taking measures to have a more controlled environment in our care sites that will limit entry into hospitals and clinics. This will help ensure screening occurs prior to entry into patient care areas so that masks are provided to patients with respiratory symptoms. As we often do during heavy influenza outbreaks, visitor restrictions will be instituted in patient care areas. Colleagues will be included among those who will be screened before entering our hospitals and other care sites. In addition, universal masking and social distancing are implemented at workplace. Employees are to keep the mask on at all times during work hours and to eat lunch alone or 6 feet away from others.
Q: How can the infection of healthcare workers be prevented?
A: Our caregivers are skilled and experienced in caring for patients with flu-like illnesses and we are re-emphasizing infection prevention protocols and the latest guidance from the CDC. The experience of treating coronavirus in the U.S. and other first world countries has shown that the use of standard respiratory precautions has prevented the infection of healthcare workers, who we count on to stay healthy to take care of all patients.
Q: What does infection prevention entail?
A: Infection prevention includes processes for screening potential coronavirus patients, and the proper use of isolation procedures. Additionally, our facilities are reinforcing effective environmental cleaning and visitor policies that support infection control.
Q: How is the virus impacting the distribution and conversation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
A: Because so much of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gowns and masks used to protect our patients, colleagues and visitors from the spread of infections, is made in China where this virus originated, this is another area of emphasis. We are promoting the conservation of these important supplies, preparing to share supplies within our markets to help ensure continued availability while also actively working to identify alternative sources of PPE.
Q: How can I personally prepare myself to avoid exposure/infection?
A: When considering personal preparedness, it is important to keep a few points in mind. First, infectious disease experts are emphasizing that coronavirus causes an illness that is similar to the flu. Everyday habits that protect us from common respiratory illness are even more important now. We all can protect our own health as well as the health of our family members and community by remembering:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Avoid areas with large crowd and practice social distancing-keep 6 feet away from others.
Q: What is the protocol if a patient presents as a potential COVID-19 case?
A: Under the new CDC guidelines, the patient will be immediately tested and isolated. Potentially exposed employees will be identified. Those who are deemed exposed per the CDC definition of “exposure” will be contacted by employee health to monitor themselves for 14 days from the date of exposure. Symptomatic employees will be removed from workplace and be tested.
COVID 19 FAQs for Furloughed Clinicians
I understand that I am being asked to remain home from work, why?
In exposures we follow a process called quarantine. Your safety and the safety of our patients is our top priority, it has determined that you may have been exposed to a patient/coworker with the new novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is experiencing symptoms. Since this infection can be contagious, even with mild symptoms, it is safest for patients and other staff for you to remain outside the workplace. For additional questions regarding exposure to COVID-19 from work or community, please contact employee health for further instructions.
hat does it mean to be under quarantine?
Typically, being under quarantine means that you must limit your travel and contact with others, including potentially staying within your home. Your hospital is working with the local department of public health, which is the entity that requires quarantine, to get further details. The Department of Health will be in contact with you and provide specific details of its expectations.
What about other members of my household – can they be with me?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends no special actions for those sharing a household for someone under quarantine.
What about if I was exposed outside of work?
Please report to HWS immediately if you believe that you have been exposed outside of workplace to COVID-19 positive individuals. Please report to HWS immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms concerning COVID-19, even if your source of exposure cannot be identified at the time. Employee Health will be notified and will reach out to provide you information on next steps to safely return to work.
Will I be paid while I am being furloughed?
Were you infected while working?
- If you test positive to COVID-19 as a result of a documented work-related exposure to any patient, visitor, contractor, vendor or fellow employee that is positive for COVID-19, you will be asked to remain at home and you will not be placed on the hospital schedule over the next 10 days counting from onset of symptoms or date of testing (please follow specific instructions from employee health regarding quarantine time frame). During this time, you will receive compensation for all scheduled hours missed during this period at the base rate. Your employer will also file a workers comp medical claim to cover expenses after the defined quarantine period is over if necessary. However, you must be COVID-19 positive with a confirmed positive source.
Will someone be in contact with me while I am away from work?
Our Employee Health Nurse, will call you to check in and assist with answering questions that you may have. This conversation will include checking in on how you are feeling and if you are having any symptoms that may need medical treatment – fever, shortness of breath, body aches, runny nose, etc.
Where can I get more information about my potential exposure?
Please go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html for comprehensive guidance.
Should you have questions while you are away from the hospital, contact our Employee Health Nurse @ Lilly.Ranney@HealthTrustWS.com
