coronavirus (covid-19) update

On January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) declared a public health emergency for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to the Coronavirus. The Novel (new) Coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19” or “Coronavirus”) is a rapidly spreading respiratory illness that started in Wuhan, China, but has spread to a growing number of locations internationally, including the United States.

As the only hospital providing emergency and ambulatory care to the Rockaways and Five Towns in southern Queens County and southwestern Nassau County, St. Johns is actively monitoring this outbreak. As a healthcare organization providing care for our diverse community, we respect and care for people of all nationalities and ethnicities and realize that screening for the coronavirus must be based upon an individual's likely exposure to the virus, not their language or skin color.

As of March 4, St. John’s assembled an interdisplinary coronavirus taskforce to review screening policies and procedures in relation to infectious disease. The taskforce will meet daily going forward to discuss preparation efforts across the agency. We will continue to follow the appropriate protocols as prescribed by the New York State Department of Health.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

As per the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes

SYMPTOMS of the novel coronavirus may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell

UPDATED VISITATION POLICY

Please visit: https://ehs.org/patients-visitors to review the updated visitation policy.