COVID-19: Be Prepared to Evaluate and Treat Patients with the Coronavirus
Update March 13, 2020: Updated PPE recommendations from CDC and DPH. Added info for 3M N-95 mask fitting.
Update March 4, 2020: L.A. County Department of Public Health (DPH) has declared a local public health emergency with six new cases in the county. The State of California has also declared a state of emergency with the first related death in the state. The CDC and DPH have updated screening and testing guidelines. The Department of Medicine at Olive View-UCLA has announced plans for the care of persons under investigation (PUI) and confirmed COVID-19 cases. Check your email and messaging for the most up-to-date information.
As healthcare providers, you should be prepared with the knowledge to (1) screen, (2) evaluate, and (3) treat potential patients with the novel coronavirus (officially designated COVID-19), whether it be a suspected or confirmed case you encounter. The Department of Public Health (DPH) of Los Angeles County is actively involved in monitoring and advising on the situation in concert with the CDC. Check your email for official announcements, including an invitation to an informational webinar.
The following are useful links and resources for your preparedness.
Check your email and messaging for the most up-to-date information.
Link to OVMC Infection Control
The following precautions are required for Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and COVID-confirmed patients:
- Private patient room, ideally negative pressure room
- Surgical face mask on the patient
- Standard precautions (e.g. hand hygiene)
- Contact precautions (e.g. gown, gloves)
- Droplet precautions (e.g. surgical mas) at minimum
- Airborne precautions (N-95 or PAPR will be used at Olive View) during high-risk procedures (e.g. intubation, CPR/Codes, nebulizer, high-flow nasal cannula)
- Eye protection (provided by PAPR; otherwise googles or faceshield)
Olive View currently has 3M N-95 masks. You must be fitted for either mask to ensure proper protection. Most staff have previously been fitted for the Kimberly-Clark N-95 masks (the orange “duck-bill” masks). To get fitted for the 3M N-95 mask, please contact the Chief Residents.
MaxAir PAPR Training
For a reminder on the MaxAir PAPR’s in use at Olive View, review the following videos: PAPR Training.
Check your email and group text for the latest updates from the Program.
More reminders from the Housestaff Meeting on February 18: Powerpoint Slides
Reference this short video from the NEJM on proper technique to collect a nasopharyngeal specimen for test of COVID-19, Influenza, and/or Respiratory Viral Panel.
Only one swab is required, which will be sent for multiple tests, including influenza and COVID-19 PCR.
ORCHID Orders
- Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): for use in acute care settings including ED, inpatient, hospital based urgent cares, and MLK
- AMB Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): for use in clinic settings, non-hospital based urgent cares, and Rancho Los Amigos