Covid-19 Update

Here is an update from my Work organization Kaweah Delta on the Covid-19 Virus in our locality.

link 👇https://www.kaweahdelta.org/COVID19.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=More%20Info&utm_campaign=COVID19_3.13.20_email

VISALIA – On March 13, Tulare County Public Health Branch officials notified Kaweah Delta that a patient screened at its Medical Center tested positive for COVID-19.

The individual is currently self-quarantined at their home and Kaweah Delta is working closely with Tulare County Health & Human Services to monitor the situation. It has been determined that Kaweah Delta employees followed proper infection prevention protocols throughout contact with the individual and there is no reason to believe that anyone was infected during this time. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Kaweah Delta is closely monitoring all employees who came in contact with the patient, and will test and treat anyone who displays symptoms. To learn more, clickHERE.

1. We will continue to update our community as this situation continues to evolve. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, please call your primary physician and 2-1-1.Additional information from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention - Click HERE From Kaweah Delta Health Care District (KDHCD)

Coronavirus Watch

To support member hospitals and health systems in their efforts to prepare and care for patients potentially exposed to and diagnosed with novel coronavirus, CHA has compiled the latest updates, guidance, travel alerts, and other information related to the virus. CHA has also coordinated with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to host a regular update call; details from those calls can be found in the “CDPH Updates” tab.

CDPH Updates

From Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS

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.*

FeverCoughShortness of breath

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.If soap and water are not readily available,use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouthwith unwashed hands. Clean your hands often

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sickPut distance between yourself and otherpeople if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important forpeople who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Avoid close contact

2. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick. Stay home if you’re sick

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.Throw used tissues in the trash.Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover coughs and sneezes

4. If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers. Wear a facemask if you are sick If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Alcohol solutions. Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external iconclaims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).