Helpful Information about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain that is believed to spread
in similar ways as the common cold, such as when an infected person coughs
or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. A
health care provider can give you instructions for seeking care, which
you can do without exposing others.
Across the world, new cases of COVID-19 are being reported, and some parts
of the country have declared a state of emergency. However, according
to the CDC and other authorities, the risk remains low for exposure in the U.S.
Medical staff at Redlands Community Hospital are following Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and we have strong infection
control policies, procedures and systems in place. As recommended by the
CDC, our clinicians are screening all patients for fever, respiratory
symptoms and travel history within a month prior to symptom onset. Anyone
meeting the CDC-established criteria would be isolated and further testing
and care will be guided by the health department.
How to protect yourself
You can protect yourself from COVID-19 infection the same ways you protect
against the common cold or seasonal flu.
- Sanitize your hands often for at least 20 seconds each time. Alcohol gel
works well in most situations (like after coughing, sneezing, or blowing
your nose), but handwashing with soap and water should be performed after
going to the bathroom, before eating, or when your hands are visibly soiled.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the
trash. (Putting a tissue on a table contaminates the surface of the table
with germs.)
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Do not visit hospital patients if you are ill in order to protect patients,
visitors and staff. Visitation may be limited at the discretion of the
medical providers and hospital staff at any time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Routinely disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a cleaning
spray or wipe.
-
Avoid travel to high-risk countries. Non-essential travel to or through
any of the countries for which the
CDC has issued a level 2 or 3 travel health notice is discouraged.
If you feel sick, here’s what you should do:
- Use home quarantine or home isolation.
- Stay home if you believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you
are not showing any symptoms, and contact your health care provider.
-
If you have traveled to a country on the
CDC list of level 2 or 3 travel health notices and feel ill, contact your health care provider. You will be provided
with instructions over the phone.
-
If you decide to go to our Emergency Department, and you meet the criteria,
PLEASE CALL THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. The Redlands Community Hospital Coronavirus Information Line
is 909-335-5699. REMAIN IN YOUR CAR WHEN YOU ARRIVE and call from your
car. You will be provided with instructions at that time. (Note: If you
need IMMEDIATE medical attention, please dial 9-1-1).
- Whether you have seasonal flu, the common cold, or something else, it’s
important you stay away from others when sick.
- Monitor yourself for fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
- Residents of San Bernardino County may call the COVID-19 hotline at (909)
387-3911 from seven days a week, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for general
information and resources about the virus.
Stay informed
The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything
you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated,
how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Stay on top of
the latest news by visiting the following websites, which are being updated
frequently.