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Answers to Your Questions about Coronavirus - EHN - 2
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Guest
1:56
We have patients r/o COVID-19 waiting for the result over three days. Does it mean the specimen is lost?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:56
Due to laboratory constraints for both the commercial labs (Quest/Labcorp) and state lab there is a delay in getting results and this take several days. Capabilities for the commercial labs is increasing every day and so we are hopeful that the turnaround time for results will be shorter in the coming days
Guest
1:57
We are urged to ask any questions pertaining to COVID19 through the email system that was set up by Einstein. I have written an email four days ago and have still not received a response. Is there just an influx or are some questions not being answered?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:57
Yes, there is an influx and we are trying to answer as many questions as we can.  Many questions are being answered through FAQs posted on EinsteinConnect and updates issued from Einstein News.
S santhosh
1:58
How long can we wear the N95 mask, if we take it off and wear the same mask, do we risk carrying infections?  If removed and need to reapply, where do we keep it?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:58
We do not recommend removing an re-donning any masks. As you correctly stated there is risk of contaminating yourself if you do not store and reapply it correctly. In certain situations we are instructing staff on extended use of the same mask - however these staff are provided specific instructions and guidance.
Guest
2:01
What precautions are we taking to enforce social distancing in the cafeteria?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:01
We are adding signage to our cafes to increase awareness and encourage staff to maintain social distances and appropriate hygiene while utilizing our dining services. We are also transitioning our café menu options to ensure that we wrap as many items as possible and increase our self serve options.

We will continue to monitor this evolving event and change our practices where warranted to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
Guest
2:01
What if you are out of PTO and cannot find adequate care for your child but you can perform your job from home? Is the expectation to take stay home without pay?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:01
Thank you for raising this concern.  Einstein will be issuing guidance on PTO for employees who may not have any PTO available in their banks.
Guest
2:02
How many active covid-19 cases are in house? How many potential cases in house?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:02
As of 7am this morning there were no patients in any of our hospitals that are confirmed COVID-19. We are following up on testing for several patients. This information changes rapidly and is coordinated by the healthcare teams across all sites.
Guest
2:04
Is there a way to donate blood without having to go to a crowded location?  Does the red cross have personal donation centers or mobile donation vans?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:04
I would refer to the Red Cross website, they recognize the safety concerns and will be able to offer better guidance on their specific protocols.
guest
2:05
Is there any plan for a course of action in regards to MossRehab/ outpatient care facilities?  Other than limiting the number of people allowed to accompany patients or eliminating interpreters/vendors, since we are not in all cases "essential or emergent care" ?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:05
Similar to our other outpatient sites we are working with our MossRehab teams to actively screen anyone presenting for symptoms or relevant travel. If patients have symptoms we are encouraging them to seek evaluation from their primary care physician prior to getting therapy. We do need to ensure that those that need therapy are receiving the care they need.
Guest
2:05
When will work from home be implemented? A lot of companies are already doing this and even the government recommends working from home.
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:05
Work from home is a topic on many people's minds.  We have received many questions on this topic and understand the importance.  Please see the answer posted earlier in this chat and monitor EinsteinNews and EinsteinConnect for additional information to come.
Guest
2:07
Can you be infected more than once with the COVID-19 virus?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:07
Great question that we unfortunately don't have a clear answer to. I think we will have to wait and see how this infection progresses
Guest
2:09
What is being done to keep the hospital as clean as possible?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:10
The hospitals are beginning to run extra shifts with our EVS staff in order to perform additional cleaning in public areas and waiting rooms.

We are also continuing to ramp up our efforts with additional support from outside vendors.
Guest
2:11
Can employees who are home with children use sick time?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:12
Employees home to care for children may use their Paid Time Off (PTO).  Please see the Human Resources Employee FAQ posted on EinsteinConnect for more information.
Guest
2:12
Has it been determined that Covid 19 it not an airborne virus?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:12
SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly by the respiratory route. The current impression from CDC and public health is that it spreads by cough/sneezing near another person. The virus can live on surfaces so maintaining good hand hygiene practices is very important. In some situations where a large amount of aerosol is generated, such as intubation or nebulizer treatment, we use N95 respirators. Otherwise in typical patient encounters the guidance from the WHO, CDC, and public health is to use facemasks.
Guest
2:14
Good afternoon. Italy and China implemented dedicated areas for COVID patients rather than have them scattered on different units.
Furthermore, there were dedicated care teams so not to cross contaminate. What are your thoughts?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:14
Einstein is looking at all options regarding the use of dedicated care teams. We are definitely looking at best practices from other healthcare facilities across the world.
Guest
2:14
Pertaining to the mask. Can a video be made and shown to instruct other staff the correct way if needed to re-apply and store the mask correctly?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:14
A video on how to properly don and doff PPE is available on Einstein Connect. We are also developing a video using a facemask as part of PPE
Guest
2:17
If this gets much worse is there anticipation that role changes may happen? Meaning will MAs, PAs nurses be used in a different capacity than previously?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:17
Redeployment of staff is a common component of emergency planning.  Einstein is monitoring staffing needs daily and will respond appropriately.
Guest
2:17
Cardiology Consultants have let us know that they are closing their offices for the next 2 weeks and transitioning to telemedicine during that time.  Why can't Einstein do that for our outpatient specialty offices? At least some of them during this time.
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:17
Thanks - great point. We have a team working on that and we have already started in some of our practices deploying that and expect to expand rapidly.
EMCM RN
2:18
Do you see mandating nursing shifts for hospital staff in our future as our communities become sicker?
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:18
We are not in a staffing emergency currently, however, in the event this incident would expand we would weigh the option of implementing our emergency staffing policy. Please refer to Einstein Connect for the specific policy.
2:20
Thanks for all of the great questions. We are going to wrap up in about 10 minutes.
Guest
2:21
A lot of staff members are experiencing anxiety. What mental support is there for them.
Einstein Healthcare Network
2:21
We understand that any situation that involves much rapidly changing information can cause anxiety.  Employees should utilize Carebridge Employee Assistance Program as a resource by calling 1-800-437-0911 or emailing clientservice@carebridge.com.  Our chaplains are here for you as well as patients.  Call them at 215-456-3996.
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