State of Michigan COVID-19 Hotline: 888-535-6136
Your Safety is Our Top Priority
You may be concerned about news of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and its implications for your health and those of your loved ones. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
For the safety of our patients, community and staff, visitor restrictions are in effect. Click here for our guidelines.
Individuals will be screened at point of entry using the following process:
- Individuals will be asked to provide their name, purpose of visit and whether they have been in an area where there are current or suspected cases of COVID-19.
- Individuals will have their temperature taken.
- Individuals with a temperature greater than 98.6 who have a scheduled appointment in the Medical Office Building will be required to wear a mask.
- Individuals with a temperature lower than 98.6, and are a permitted visitor under special exemptions, will receive a date sensitive sticker and directed in the hospital.
Please know that:
- We are taking all necessary measures and precautions to protect the safety of our patients and staff.
- We specialize in the care of patients with complex illnesses and have experience with managing and containing novel viruses.
- This is a rapidly evolving situation and we suggest you check out the latest updates on the CDC website as well as the Michigan Health Department website.
- Hospital visitor policies have been updated to reflect national efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. This policy may change at any time due to the rapidly evolving situation.
- Maternity patients are allowed one companion/visitor.
- Pediatric patients are allowed one parent/guardian.
- Visitors to patients at end of life will be allowed at the discretion of the care team.
- Hospital entry points will be limited to enable screening of visitors. Visitors who show any signs of illness, including mild symptoms, should not visit patients in the hospital or accompany patients to the emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Novel Coronavirus
What is our hospital doing to protect patients?
- We are screening patients with symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath and with a history of travel within the past 14 days to communities with widespread or sustained community transmission of the coronavirus.
- If we have a confirmed or potential patient with COVID-19, we will institute standard infectious disease protocols, as well as additional measures, to prevent the potential spread of the virus. All healthcare providers who have contact with the patient will use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
How concerned should I be about the coronavirus?
- As of now, the seasonal flu remains a significant health risk.
- Coronaviruses can cause the common cold and pneumonia. Most people infected with the novel coronavirus have mild cold symptoms. A small fraction of people, however, may require more intensive care. We understand your concern about protecting yourself from respiratory diseases. There is no recommendation to routinely wear a mask at this time.
- Keep informed of the risk by checking the situation update on the CDC website.
What can I do to protect myself?
It is understandable to feel uncertain or anxious during a public health crisis, and we need to remember to avoid making assumptions about others’ perceived symptoms or any characteristics of identity. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the novel coronavirus infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Here are the current CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Take everyday preventive actions for respiratory infections, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home when sick, and washing hands often.
- Avoid traveling to places with widespread or sustained community transmission of the coronavirus. A good place for reliable travel information can be found on the CDC’s travel advisory page.
Should I wear a mask?
The CDC does not recommend the use of face masks for the general U.S. public to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including the novel coronavirus.
The best way to protect your health is by practicing preventive measures listed above to help prevent illness and symptoms similar to the novel coronavirus.
Where can I learn more?
Concerned patients and family members should talk with their healthcare provider.
You can also find more information about the virus from these websites.
- CDC/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (updated daily with advice for public)
- Find the latest on the CDC website as well as the Michigan Health Department website.
- World Health Organization.
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
(Content Courtousy of https://www.gch.org/)