LCMC 3-13-2020 Update

https://www.lcmchealth.org/coronavirus/

LCMC Health, in coordination with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Louisiana Office of Public Health, continues to closely monitor an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that was initially detected in Wuhan City, China in December 2019, and has now been detected in 60+ locations internationally, including the United States.

ACTIVE VISITOR RESTRICTIONS in place at all LCMC Health facilities

To further protect the health of our patients, workforce, and the community and prevent the potential spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we are applying a modified visitor policy across all LCMC Health acute-care, rehabilitation and senior-living facilities effective March 11, 2020. This policy limits the number of visitors per patient, restricts the number of entry points into our facilities and implements screening for all visitors.

• Visitation will be limited to two adults (18 years or older) per patient, per day.

• All visitors and patients, including vendors and contractors, will be screened at designated entry points, including the Emergency Department.

• For patients in isolation, visitation will be limited to one adult (18 years or older) per patient, per day. These visitors will also be required to wear personal protective equipment and will not be permitted to visit common areas within the facility.

The brief screening process includes a symptom check and questionnaire. Individuals cleared through the screening process will receive a color-coded wristband which must be worn throughout their hospital visit. Visitors who are sick or do not meet screening criteria will not be allowed to enter the facility.

As with any evolving situation, it is critical to make decisions based on the most up-to-date, accurate information. It’s important to get the facts and avoid spreading false or misleading information. Below are answers to the most common questions about the coronavirus, and what you can do to protect yourself and others.

Learn More

If your family has traveled recently or you are concerned that your child is experiencing symptoms related to those of COVID-19, you can use our virtual care service to get advice from our team and take our travel screen survey.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) information

What is 2019 novel coronavirus?

The 2019 novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a global health emergency. The same day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first human-to-human transmission in the United States. The CDC and the LCMC Health readiness Workgroup continue to closely monitor the situation.

Is novel coronavirus spreading in the United States?

COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China, and limited spread among close contacts has been detected in some countries outside China, including the United States, and more specifically, in the metropolitan New Orleans community. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure, for example healthcare workers and close contacts of people who are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. CDC and LCMC Health continue to closely monitor the situation.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?

Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

What are the symptoms of the novel coronavirus?

Patients with the COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

COVID-19 in Children:

There is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported from China have occurred in adults. There is an ongoing investigation to determine more about this outbreak in children. Updates from the CDC specifically for pregnant women and children can be found here.

Virtual Care at Children’s Hospital

If your family has traveled recently and you are concerned that your child is experiencing symptoms related to those of COVID-19, you can use Children’s Hospital’s virtual care service to get advice from our team of pediatric providers, and take our safety screening over the phone. Early/limited reports suggest that children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms, and though severe complications have been reported, they appear to be uncommon. At this time, testing for COVID-19 is only performed when authorized by the Office of Public Health, and only after other conditions such as the flu have been ruled out and testing is believed necessary by authorities.

Learn more about Virtual Care for Kids

How can I help protect myself and others?

It’s still cold and flu season, and the same practices that stop the spread of these common illnesses are recommended:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

• Cover mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.

• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch.

What should someone do if they recently traveled to a level 3 travel advisory country and got sick after returning?

If you traveled to a Level 3 travel advisory country within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Is there a vaccine or treatment?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against the novel coronavirus. The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands frequently and avoid being exposed to this virus. And while there is no specific antiviral treatment, people with the novel coronavirus can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

What is LCMC Health doing?

LCMC Health is committed to the health and safety of our members, patients, employees, and physicians. As in all cases of emerging infectious diseases, we monitor closely and follow CDC recommendations. As more is understood about this virus, recommendations may change.

To help protect our patients against flu and other respiratory illness, LCMC Health currently has visitor restrictions in place. Please avoid visiting if you have a cough, fever, sore throat, body aches or gastrointestinal symptoms. Thank you.

Where can I get the latest coronavirus information?

For the latest information, visit the CDC website.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention