Wednesday, February 12, 2020
SJRMC Advises Everyone to Take Precautions to Prevent Coronavirus
San Juan Regional Medical Center continues to be vigilant, screening patients who visit the Emergency Department and San Juan Health Partners Urgent Care for both lower respiratory symptoms and travel to China in the last 14 days as well as contact with someone who was recently in China. Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
Since the virus is known to spread rapidly from person to person, it’s important to take standard precautions to prevent infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control, everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using facemask: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses.
- A facemask should be used by people who show symptoms of coronavirus, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Finally, it’s very important to remind everyone not to come to the Emergency Department if you are well. We ask that only patients and immediate caregivers come to the Emergency Department in order to reduce potential exposures, as well as to protect themselves and others. For more information, visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.