With the global spread and fallout of COVID-19, this year has brought a new “normal” to almost every facet of life.
3月以来, when the US began to see COVID-19 in greater numbers, the number of emergency room visits has dropped nationwide. 事实上, numbers from March 29 – April 25, 2020 show a 42% decline in emergency room visits compared with a similar period in 2019, according to the CDC.
Health researchers think that individuals are avoiding medical facilities – even when they need care – for fear of contracting the coronavirus.
何时求医
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, public health messaging has largely urged people to stay home if they are sick with 温和的 疾病. This messaging is correct. 然而, those who have health emergencies or severe 疾病 should not hesitate to seek medical care.
Mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- 咳嗽
- 发热
- Shortness of breath
- 头疼
- 身体疼痛
- 腹泻
Certain symptoms may indicate a more severe 疾病 – time to call 911 or visit the emergency room. Symptoms of severe COVID-19 疾病 include:
- Trouble breathing (feel you can’t catch your breath)
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- 新的困惑
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Other Emergency Conditions
While we deal with the coronavirus, normal life goes on. This means people will still have the health emergencies and needs they have in any other time. There is some evidence to suggest that people who experience cardiac events or strokes are not seeking the care they need during this crisis. Of course, this avoidance can have dire consequences, including serious complications and even death. If you experience symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, or any other serious health event, do not hesitate to seek care.
Chronic Conditions and Regular Screenings
Similar to the decline in emergency visits – many healthcare systems are seeing fewer 病人s for regular health management.
Aging 病人s or those with chronic conditions should keep up with their regular screenings and check-ups. For some visits, telehealth, or virtual visits may be an option. Ask your provider’s office if a virtual consultation would be appropriate for your visit.
Patient Safety is Our Priority at 电子老虎机游戏平台网址大全
Regular healthcare is just as important as ever. In our hospital and out病人 clinics, 电子老虎机游戏平台网址大全 takes many measures to limit the spread of 疾病 and keep 病人s safe, 包括:
Screening and hand hygiene at entrances
当任何员工, 病人, or visitor enters the hospital, our screeners take their temperature using a no-touch thermometer and remind them to sanitize their hands. We have sanitizer available at all entrances and throughout the hospital and clinics.
Disinfection and sterilization
一如既往地, our Environmental 服务 department works diligently to ensure the cleanliness and safety of 病人 areas, including waiting rooms. Patient rooms are cleaned in between each 病人 visit.
Visitor restrictions
3月以来, 电子老虎机游戏平台网址大全 has restricted hospital entrances, only allowing access to those screened at the main entrances. 电子老虎机游戏平台网址大全 has restricted visitation, only allowing one visitor during visitation hours in the hospital.
Masking and social distancing
All 病人s, visitors, and employees must wear a mask in public and clinical areas of the hospital. In our waiting rooms, we have created space for individuals to maintain physical distance from one another to lower the risk of 疾病.
As the COVID-19 crisis evolves, 电子老虎机游戏平台网址大全 continues to monitor the relevant data to inform our policies and protocols. We take the health and safety of our community seriously. If you have concerns about coming to our facilities for care, please reach out to your provider’s office to discuss those concerns.
For more information about 电子老虎机游戏平台网址大全’s response to COVID-19, visit our website at ospifse.net/covid-19.