COVID-19 (March 12 Update)
We are providing you with information to keep staff and patients informed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with state and local health departments continue to closely monitor the outbreak of the “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes COVID-19.
The US has now noted more than 600 cases of COVID-19 across almost 36 states and jurisdictions, including three cases in the Cleveland, Ohio area. The number of actual cases is likely higher in the US as testing has not been available for all cases with milder symptoms. There have been at least 25 deaths reported in the US.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has received testing kits, and testing is been established but is not yet widely available at all hospitals. On March 9, Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in Ohio. Premier Health has been monitoring the outbreak along with health care agencies and preparing our facilities for potential cases. We have been monitoring and assessing our supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure we have adequate ability to SAFELY care for all of our patients. Each facility has additionally prepared isolation locations for patients with COVID-19.
Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing). Below, you will find the ODH algorithm to help determine testing needs for patients based on risk factors and symptoms. As the recommendations detail, clinicians should consider and investigate other respiratory etiologies before considering COVID-19 testing.
A more detailed explanation of the criteria is available through the CDC and ODH websites. We encourage everyone to please review additional details in these pages as they will contain the most up-to-date information:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-criteria.html
- https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/Resources-Health-Care-Workers/
Most patients with COVID-19 will not require admission, rather most patient’s treatment will consist of outpatient symptomatic management. It would be reasonable to treat with over-the-counter anti-pyretics for fever or analgesics for myalgias. ODH has provided additional information to providers that include more detailed recommendations for treatment which are below.
Here are some helpful tools and resources that you and your staff can use when connecting with patients:
- ODH Guidelines for Outpatient Providers
- ODH Testing Algorithm for COVID-19
- COVID-19 Public Health Advisory
- CDC Protects and Prepares Communities
CDC does NOT currently recommend the general public use facemasks as a protective measure unless someone is ill. The most important step in preventing infection remains hand hygiene. Additional steps to help spread disease include covering your cough and staying home when you are sick.
Have additional questions?
Join Roberto Colón, MD as he answers FAQs about COVID-19.
Friday, March 20, 2020
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Microsoft Teams Meeting
+1 937-401-2803 United States, Dayton (Toll)
(877) 287-6804 United States (Toll-free)
Conference ID: 814 519 177#
RSVP by March 19 and submit your questions in advance to PHG@PremierHealth.com. Please note the first 250 people who join the call will be connected into the meeting. A recording of the call will be placed on the Premier Health Group website at PremierHealthGroup.com.
We will continue to communicate with updates as they become available.
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