COVID-19 Coronavirus Fact Sheet: Share Fact, Not Fear
COVID-19 Coronavirus Fact Sheet: Share Fact, Not Fear
COVID-19 or Coronavirus Fact Sheet for CIHA
As of March 31, 2020, CIHA has confirmed 1 positive case of COVID-19 and the state of North Carolina has confirmed 1,498 cases. For more information regarding what the state is doing during this public health emergency, please visit www.ncdhhs.gov.
We have made available a fact sheet that addresses the many concerns that have been circulating in our community.
I think I need a COVID-19 test, what do I do?
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever or symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call the EBCI COVID-19 Informational Line 828.497.3743 to speak directly with a healthcare professional for advice on whether or not you need to be tested.
Why are there tents outside the CIHA entrances?
The tents are there to protect you and our staff during this public health emergency. Patients presenting to CIHA will be asked a series of screening questions before they enter the building. These questions are in place to determine if a patient needs additional screening or be provided a facemask before entering.
I’ve been tested for COVID-19, now what?
If you have mild symptoms, you will be asked to return home and will be given instructions on how to self-quarantine or isolate until the results of the test are back. Test results generally take between 3-5 days.
Why do I need to self-quarantine before the results are back?
While you are awaiting test results, you need to stay home – do not go out in public or visit other members. If you are in a home with multiple people, we recommend you stay in a specific “sick room” and keep away from other people in the home.
Self-quarantine helps to prevent the spread of the illness to others and protects our most vulnerable, at risk community members.
I tested positive for COVID-19, what do I do?
If you are continuing to feel mild symptoms all you need to do is continue to self-quarantine. A public health nurse will contact your and ask questions about how you are doing and whom you have been in contact with recently.
Is treatment available?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Most people with the illness will recover on their own.
Are there limitations on visitation to CIHA?
CIHA already has visiting restrictions in place due to the current flu season.
– For Minor patients to the ER, visitors are restricted to 1 parent/caregiver.
– For Elder patients to the ER, visitors are restricted to 1 visitor/caregiver only if requested by the patient or if they are need to answer questions
– No children under the age of 12 years old will be allowed in the Inpatient Unit until visitor restrictions have been lifted.
If I have flu-like symptoms, what should I do?
If you aren’t feeling well, the best advice is to stay home and rest. However, if you are concerned about your health or your symptoms persist or worsen, call your primary care provider for advice on whether you should come to the hospital to receive care. The primary care directory can be found here.
Are appointments on a regular schedule?
We will are rescheduling all non-urgent appointments and routine dental & eyecare visits. Prioritizing urgent and emergency visits now are precautionary steps that will preserve staff, personal protective equipment (PPE), patient care supplies and protects our most vulnerable, at risk community members.
What is the current plan for Tsali Care?
Tsali Care has visiting restrictions in place which restricts any visitors from entering the facility which is consistent with CDC recommendations for Long Term Care facilities. This decision was brought to the Tsali Care Resident Council and the residents are in agreeance.
During this time of uncertainty, how do you recommend that I get my medications refilled?
In order to better meet the needs of the community during this public health emergency, the CIHA Pharmacy has implemented the following changes:
– The Pharmacy Lobby will be closed until further notice.
– The Pharmacy Drive-Thru is now open weekends from 8am-5:30pm. All patients can access the pharmacy drive-thru located in the back of the hospital.
– We ask that all patients give until the next day to fill medication refills, unless it is a new medication just ordered by the doctor. Refill requests can be called in to the automated refill line 828.497.9163 ext. 6714, or you can call to speak to a Pharmacy staff member.
– We encourage you to sign up for mail-in refills by calling 828.497.9163 ext. 6379. This will ensure that your medicine will be delivered t your mailbox without having to make a trip to the hospital.