ED MAHC COVID 19

Just thought I would send out a couple practical things…

1. keep reading updates from MAHC , OMA, latest in NEJM, etc as you feel you can to keep up to date with COVID 19 – the media is over the top in lots of ways so just be careful your sources. Some restrictions of public events may be driven by political or “non – science” reasons.
2. MAHC is gonna try and focus future communications on operational/MAHC and community based efforts as I have asked for more practical frontline guidelines and aid as this is what we need.
3. limit visitors in ER – this should be enforced at all times
4. hospital entry screening – starting – as in communication today
5. If patient being sent to the ER for swab by public health this doesn’t mean they need to be seen by a doctor. If nursing worried about patient then we should see them. I also suggest we offer to see the patient and nursing ask the patient that and chart it…. So far my N of 5 have all declined.
6. community test sites on the horizon – I’m told – they are awaiting “approval my public health” and then this will be communicated out.
7. testing at MD discretion …hard to know who to test – travel history and illness is recommended but if was at a conference? or an NBA game this week? Just keep in mind we have limited tests in Ontario and we are still waiting pandemic planning guidance…hopefully this is coming soon.
8. Donning and doffing update /refresher by Angela Hollingshead (occupational health) at anytime…just give her a call. You could even mock up an intubation scenario with RT/Angela and others if you want to do! If you want me to organize let me know.