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Kaleida Health updates on COVID-19

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Fri, Mar 20th 2020 07:50 am

Kaleida Health released the following updates and reminders Thursday regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic:

•Surgery Restrictions - Kaleida Health’s surgical executive committee has decided to limit surgery to only those cases considered urgent. The situation will be reassessed continuously based on the needs of patients and the ability to provide care.

•HR Guidelines for Exposure – In accordance with CDC, NYSDOH and other regulatory guidance, Kaleida Health has implemented human resources guidelines for employees, intended to address the coronavirus outbreak.

Help Us Encourage Social Distancing – Kaleida Health is encouraging all clinical staff to share their “selfies” to encourage the community to stay at home and practice social distancing. (“I stayed at work for you; please stay at home for us!”) See: https://www.kaleidahealth.org/kyi/news/?i=13812

If You Are Symptomatic – As a reminder, per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Erie County Health Department, if you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and/or if you develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice. Do not come to the emergency department or hospital.

If you get sick with fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:

  • First, call your health care provider and explain your symptoms
  • Avoid contact with others. Stay home when you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Before seeking health care, call ahead to the facility and tell them your situation. They will give you instructions on how to access care without exposing other people to your illness.

For testing information please call your health care provider. Do not call the hospital or come to the emergency department.

Communications have been sent by the ECDOH to health care providers regarding testing guidelines. Health care providers will need to determine whether or not the individual needs to be tested. If the health care provider approves your testing, your provider (not the individual) will contact the ECDOH. Finally, the individual will be notified by the Erie County Department of Health if he or she came in contact with someone who tested positive in Erie County.

Early in March, Kaleida Health established an organizationwide coronavirus steering committee and command center operation to address this pandemic. The group has been coordinating emergency preparedness, response efforts, as well as daily communication with federal, state and county agencies.

Kaleida Health will not share personal information about patients tested, treated or admitted for COVID-19 in order to protect their privacy as required by federal law. Erie County and the New York State Department of Health work in tandem for contact tracing and will notify people at risk per their protocols. All questions related to public safety should be directed to the appropriate governing agency.

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