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Answers to Your Questions about Coronavirus - EHN
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Einstein Healthcare Network
1:56
The chat will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. Come back here to follow it live. In the meantime, please feel free to post your questions in the blue box below. Thanks.
*** Thursday, March 12 ***
Einstein Healthcare Network
9:56
Everyone is in the room and ready to go. We'll be starting in five minutes.
Kayla
10:01
John Hopkins’ coronavirus dashboard reports more than half of the confirmed cases have recovered... do we know how they’ve recovered since there’s no vaccine?
Einstein Healthcare Network
10:02
Thanks for joining us. We have Eric Sachinwalla, MD, Medical Director Infection Prevention and Control, Eric Giberson, Human Resources Director and David Stofanak, Assistant Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness here to field your questions. Let's get started.
10:03
While there isn't a vaccine or treatment available at this time, like many viral infections, the treatment consists of supportive care. For most people that is rest, fluids, and fever reducing medicines. For people who are severely ill they may need hospitalization and supportive treatment there.
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Guest
10:04
Are there any plans for working remotely for non-essential personnel who are not involved with any direct patient care?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:06
Telecommuting/working from home is a part of our pandemic planning.  Human Resources will be issuing guidance regarding working remotely given the developing situation.
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ER Physician
10:06
What is the process for testing a patient
Einstein Healthcare Network
10:07
Testing capabilities are rapidly changing. Currently Einstein does not perform the test but we are working with the Dept of Health and commercial labs to get tests done. As more testing becomes available we will adjust how we perform tests
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10:12
The information on the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is being updated by the CDC as we gather more information. The exact clinical situation will influence what type of precautions are used. We will be updating our protocols for PPE as we gather more information from our public health partners
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Lyndsay Horwedel
10:12
I've heard differing opinions on whether droplet precautions are necessary or airborne precautions with an N95 masks are needed. Do we have clarifications on this? I am a nurse on the med/surg floor and anticipate caring for multiple patients and want to keep myself and my family safe.
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Bob
10:12
We have an employee traveling to the UK at months end for a week. Do you foresee any extended travel restrictions being that return travel from Europe has been suspended for 30 days?
Einstein Healthcare Network
10:13
The employee travel quarantine includes China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.  The employee travel quarantine has not been expanded at this time.  Einstein is awaiting further information and guidance from US Health and Human Services and CDC.
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Guest
10:14
Will there be training for appropriate PPE?
Einstein Healthcare Network
10:15
All staff should receive training for N95 respirators at their fit testing. There is a video as well on Einstein Connect that demonstrates how to put on and take off PPE
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Michele
10:16
Can employees wear N95 masks as precautions?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:17
View the video on PPE here: https://einsteinconnect.einstein.edu/coronavirus
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No - people should not wear N95 masks as a precaution. This will deplete our supplies and not allow us to safely take care of patients. Every mask that is wasted now means one less mask for when it is needed. Please follow the CDC, public Health, and Einstein Guidance on appropriate use of PPE
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EHN
10:18
Will I have to quarantine after domestic travel? I am going to Nashville the last weekend of March.
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:19
No, not at this time.  Einstein will continue to follow guidelines from the US Health and Human Services and CDC.
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Brenda
10:20
When should you stay home? Cough? Sneezing? Sore throat?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:21
If you feel ill and have a fever, cough, or sore throat you should avoid coming into work.
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Guest
10:22
What is the difference between presumed positive and confirmed positive? How long does it take to get a confirmed diagnosis once you exhibit symptoms?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:24
A presumed positive is a test that was done at a state lab. These get sent to the CDC lab for final confirmation. Depending on the lab the time to result can be a few days.
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Lynne
10:26
How will the Command Center be set up?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:26
Due to current COVID-19 situation, the Einstein Healthcare Network has opened it's incident command center. This allows us to coordinate a more efficient response and to address many of the concerns such as PPE, clinical response, testing, and communications. This incident command center consist of various stakeholders from across the Network and it allows us to work together in a more consistent manner.
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Guest
10:27
Will elective surgeries be postponed?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:27
At this time there are not plans to cancel or postpone elective surgeries or procedures. However we are monitoring our capacity closely and will adjust as needed.
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Guest
10:28
What are the current recommendations for visitors to the hospital?  Are there any plans that would limit visitors within the hospital and rehab settings?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:28
Changes to the visitor policy will be issued this afternoon.
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RN
10:31
What type of isolation precaution are we suppose to take? Airborne and contact? Are we suppose to utilize hazmat suit?
Einstein Healthcare Network
10:32
Airborne and contact precautions with eye protection are what we are utilizing at this time for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Hazmat suits are not necessary and should not be used for this illness
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Joanne
10:32
Good morning, thank you for doing this.   Has there been any consideration/discussions to delay our Healthy Steps compliance?  It seems we may have a difficult time scheduling appointments and increasing our risk of exposure.
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:33
Thank you for thinking about Healthy Steps compliance and raising this concern.  We will consider changes and provide updates as needed.
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Debby
10:35
I take 3 different trains. I use hand sanitizer if needed.  Have my Kleenex handy and wash my hands as soon as I get into office and when I arrive at home and I try not to touch my face. Am I doing everything I can?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:36
You have a great process Debby!! I would continue to do that and encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently, especially before they eat or drink.
Including if you're having your breakfast/coffee on the train
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Lynne
10:37
Given recent school closures, what advice can you give to employed parents; can they come to work, do they need to be cleared first?
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Einstein Healthcare Network
10:37
We understand the importance of this issue.  Human Resources will issue specific guidance in the coming days to employees on this and other potential attendance issues.
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Guest
10:39
Have their been any confirmed cases of children with this virus?
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