Attention- Covid-19 Update

March 12th, 2020

ATTENTION – COVID-19 UPDATE
By Beth Foster, RN, BA, CPHQ, CEHCH and
Kathy Royer, RN, BA, MBA, DMin, CHPN, CHPCA, CEHCH

What does ODH have that we need?

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has a special website (COVID-19 Resources for Local Health Districts and Providers) that has a lot of resources that covers every aspect of this outbreak. If an individual thinks they may have the coronavirus because they have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, they need to call their primary care practitioner (PCP) as soon as possible. The individual should follow the guidance of the PCP.

Also, ODH has a special phone line 1-833-4ASK ODH.

Ohio home health and hospice agencies should work with their local health district if and when the suspect that an individual may have the symptoms of the coronavirus. This is the link to Find Local Health Districts near you.

OUR TAKE

Reminder: Since facilities (aka home health and hospice agencies) are expected to develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that is based on the facility‐based and community‐based risk assessment using an “all‐ hazards” approach, Kathy and I recommend that agencies pull out your emergency preparedness plan and review your approach with your staff. It would not surprise us if an ODH surveyor asks your staff, “What are you doing to protect yourself and patients from COVID-19.” Remember to add Corona virus to your all hazards list!