Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

posted on: 3/11/2020 3:05:14 PM

Protecting the health and safety of our patients, associates and community remains our highest priority. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. Here’s what you should know about the virus and what Lima Memorial Health System is doing to keep patients, visitors and associates safe.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

How is Lima Memorial Health System Prepared for Coronavirus?

Lima Memorial Health System, in conjunction with Allen County Public Health, the Ohio Department of Health, the CDC and numerous other organizations is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments. In an abundance of caution, we have:

• Deployed a COVID-19 Emergency Management Response team that is evaluating all possible scenarios, protocols and plans for preparedness.
• Provided education for all providers and associates on CDC and ODH guidelines and recommendations
• Implemented a screening protocol at all entry points into the health system
• Restricted non-essential representatives / vendors from entering the hospital
• Local Response to COVID-19 (Your Hometown Lima Stations - March 13, 2020)
  
• Lima Memorial and St. Rita's Joint Interview - Lima COVID-19 Call Center and Clinics Coming Soon (March 13, 2020)
• Area Hospitals Advance Local Preparations for COVID-19 Response (March 17, 2020)

Are there any current visitor restrictions?

For the health and safety of our patients, visitors, healthcare providers and our community, effective  March 14, we ask that people do not visit patients in our hospital.

• For mother / baby and pediatric patients only, visitors will be limited to a designated partner or primary caretaker / guardian (only one at a time).
• Exceptions will be considered based on end-of-life situations (only two at a time) or when a visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and care.
• We recognize that this can be disappointing to our visitors and patients, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and your family.  Your health and the health of our patients and our community is our top priority.

Volunteer Services Temporarily Suspended

Our dedicated volunteers and the wonderful services they provide are critical to our hospital, and so is their health and safety. As we continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19, and in an abundance of precaution and prevention, all volunteer services have been temporarily suspended, effective March 14.

What precautions can you take to reduce your risk of getting coronavirus? 

Follow CDC guidelines for prevention, which include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty.
• 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, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Where can you get the latest information?

More information on COVID-19, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found at cdc.gov/covid19 and coronavirus.ohio.gov.  The Ohio Department of Health has also set up a call center for general COVID-19 questions. Reach the call center at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Call center staff includes licensed nurses and infectious disease experts. They will be available to answer questions and provide accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public, and the state’s response.

The following links will provide you with up-to-date COVID-19 resources: 

• CDC 
• Ohio Department of Health
• Allen County Public Health 

For the latest updates and more information, visit the CDC website.