BROOKINGS – With the recent emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the possibility of outbreak at some point in the United States, Brookings Health System isn’t leaving anything to chance.
“We’re prepared to deliver safe care,” Infection Preventionist Bunny Christie said. As a microbiologist, she’s in charge of Brookings Health System’s infection control program which focuses on methods to safeguard patients and team members alike from contracting infectious disease while in the hospital.
Facts about COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with COVID-19 experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. Complications may include pneumonia in both lungs. People at greatest risk of dying from COVID-19 include children, the elderly and those with co-morbidities like diabetes, COPD, underlying heart and lung diseases, or other immune compromising conditions.
The best prevention for COVID-19: avoid exposure to the virus.
Preparing for safety
Part of Christie’s role at Brookings Health is making sure the health system has the needed safety equipment, including the appropriate masks and respirators in case of COVID-19, to protect health care team members who may be called upon to treat a patient with an infectious disease.
“We follow guidelines from the CDC and the South Dakota Department of Health,” said Christie. “With the coronavirus emergence, we’re adhering to communication from both agencies.”
That includes updating the health system’s policies and procedures with COVID-19 guidelines for staff to follow, much in the same manner as previous outbreak threats such as SARS and Ebola. Brookings Health is also educating care teams and staff about coronavirus, including how it spreads and how they can safely protect themselves and other patients if called upon to care for a patient under investigation of having COVID-19.
In addition, Brookings Health also has the facilities to safely accommodate infectious diseases. Negative air flow rooms are present in the emergency department, inpatient care unit and same-day surgery area of Brookings Hospital. The negative air pressure in these rooms allow for patient care while maintaining infection control integrity within the facility.
“We’re also screening patients for travel outside the U.S., particularly China,” said Christie. “We’ve placed signage at the facility entrances, too, encouraging people to take a mask if they’ve recently traveled outside the U.S., or had close contact with someone who recently traveled outside the U.S., and now are experiencing symptoms: fever, cough and trouble breathing.”
If a local COVID-19 case is suspected, Brookings Health will work with the CDC, South Dakota Department of Health and other authorities as needed.
Outside the facility walls, Brookings Health is the lead partner in the Brookings County Pandemic Preparedness Plan. The health system works with Brookings County Emergency Management, Brookings chapter of the American Red Cross, the City of Brookings, South Dakota State University and other surrounding counties and communities. Together, the team has a response plan in place for the outbreak of any pandemic. People can learn more about preparedness at BeReadyBrookings.com.
What the public can do
The No. 1 thing local community members can currently do regarding COVID-19: remain calm.
“Current transmission from COVID-19 in the U.S. is low because of the quarantine measures and quick response from the CDC and state healthcare agencies,” said Christie. “The U.S. will likely experience outbreak in urban areas before reaching the Midwest.”
Christie also encourages people to get their information about COVID-19 from credible sources, such as the CDC and South Dakota Department of Health, and not to spread misinformation. In addition, people need to work to prevent the spread of disease.
“Practice good respiratory etiquette and hygiene,” says Christie. “Cover your coughs and sneezes. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, the time it takes you to sing, ‘Happy Birthday,’ twice. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.”
To further prevent the spread of illness, people should always stay at home if they are sick. That means no work, no school, no daycare, no church, no shopping or presence in any other public place. Getting medical treatment is the one exception.
“If you were in China within the past 14 days, or were in contact with someone who traveled to China, and now feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care,” said Christie. “Please call your health care provider’s office before you go and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing others to your illness.”
If people seek treatment for COVID-19 at Brookings Health System’s emergency department, they should call 605-696-9000. If they visit one of the local clinics for COVID-19 treatment, they should call their clinic’s respective phone number. To learn more about health care safety at Brookings Health System, visit brookingshealth.org/Safety.
