York Hospital is prepared to keep Caregivers, Patients and the Community Safe
As Caregivers at York Hospital continue to prepare for COVID-19 treatment and screening, the steadfast commitment to safely caring for our patients and our Caregivers is imminent. York Hospital has formed a specialized COVID-19 Workgroup, consisting of Infection Control, Emergency Care, Leadership, Nursing and our Medical Staff, that has been working closely with the Center for Disease Control and is prepared for any potential case of COVID-19 presenting at the hospital. Additionally, key leaders are engaged in efforts to educate caregivers at all levels.
For patients who are experiencing symptoms such as fever and/or shortness of breath, AND have traveled in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms (as of 3/12/2020, countries with CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notices are China, Iran, Italy & South Korea) or had personal contact with a person known to have Corona virus, they should contact their provider. York Hospital’s COVID-19 Screening Tool will be used to coordinate care.
Reassurance from York Hospital’s Director of Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine, Dr. Evangeline Thibodeau:
In many cases, providers may determine it is best for the patient to remain home, and instructions would include self-quarantining until symptoms are resolved and masking when interacting with others.
Self-Quarantining recommendations include:
- Stay at home while ill, as long as symptoms are not worsening
- Use a separate bathroom from others at home, if possible
- All household members should maintain excellent hand hygiene
- Clean household surfaces regularly
- Limit close contact between ill person and household members, especially those who are vulnerable like the immunocompromised, those with underlying lung disease, advanced age, or very young age.
If a provider visit is recommended, they will give further instructions for the method and time.
If a COVID-19 screening is necessary (according to CDC criteria and your provider), this will be done at the COVID-19 Screening Site located on York Hospital’s Main Campus at 3 Loving Kindness Way in York, Maine.
As an additional precautions:
- No visitors are allowed at any York Hospital location (there are certain exceptions)
- Elective and non urgent appointments are being rescheduled, conducted over the phone,
- All of our public events, including educational seminars, support groups and all staff conferences are postponed until May 1.
As always, we stress simple prevention tips that work for both flu and COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before meals or after riding public transportation— even elevators and escalators. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works too.
- Do not touch your face.
- Try to avoid large public gatherings and stay at home if you are sick.
- Senior citizens and immunesuppressed people are most at risk and should carefully consider their travel plans and activities for the time being.
- Cover your coughs. Consider alternatives to handshaking, especially if you have respiratory symptoms.
- If you are not sick, you do not have to mask.