Coronavirus Update and Health System Preparations - 3/13

The Alabama Department of Public Health reported that the first confirmed case of the Coronavirus Friday, March 13. DCH has taken every precaution to provide for the safety of our patients and our staff. We have treated communicable diseases for many years, so we understand the precautions that must be taken in terms of isolating patients, limiting visitors and having employees wear protective clothing. Plans are in place.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

The leadership team at DCH Health System is working to take every precaution to keep our employees, physicians, patients and visitors safe. We have a team of leadership, infectious disease, safety, and other experts meeting several times a week to stay up to date with the latest information surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19). We will continue to update this page and our social media channels as new information becomes available.

DCH continues to closely monitor the situation and has continued to initiate actions and processes to be prepared should a patient test positive. Below are some updates in that ongoing effort.

• Work-related travel is being restricted or cancelled and DCH is encouraging employees and the community to limit personal travel.

• Individuals with flu-like symptoms are being encouraged to only come to the hospital if they need medical care. They should not visit others. Signs discouraging visits have been placed at main entrances and further restrictions may be implemented.

General precautions remain the same and are listed below as a reminder.

• Travel history questions are asked at triage in Emergency Departments and other points of patient contact.

• Signs are in Emergency Departments to alert patients to notify staff immediately if they have traveled recently and have fever, cough, or trouble breathing.

• Per CDC recommendations, such patients will be provided a surgical mask and be evaluated in a private room.

• Patients who are suspected of having the virus will be evaluated in proper isolation precautions (protective clothing including a mask, face shield and gloves) and discussed with the Alabama Department of Public Health.

• Patients who meet criteria to be investigated for coronavirus will be placed in appropriate isolation precautions per CDC guidelines.

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