While the confirmed number of cases of COVID-19 disease in the United States is small, officials with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that the spread of the virus across the United States appears inevitable.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is prepared to meet the needs of caring for our community amid the potential for COVID-19 in West Michigan. With a strong emergency preparedness plan in place, Metro Health is ready to respond to any patients who may present with symptoms of COVID-19.
“All patients entering our hospital, emergency department and outpatient locations are currently being screened regarding their recent travel history and assessed accordingly,” said Mary Faber, Senior Infection Prevention Specialist, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “As the CDC continues to release travel restrictions, our teams and resources are promptly updated as well.”
Every day, Metro Hospital staff members are participating in daily safety briefings and emergency plans are frequently updated as new information is released from the CDC and Kent County Health Department.
“We have developed a clear process to safely isolate and treat patients who could be infected with COVID-19, while ensuring all other patients and hospital staff are protected from a possible exposure” said Faber. “We are prepared to care for all patients and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The best way to prevent exposure to coronavirus is to do the same things that we should do to avoid catching the common influenza illness. Signage throughout Metro Hospital and clinics instructs patients, visitors and staff to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. In addition, Metro Health is asking hospital visitors who are ill, to reconsider visiting until they are healthy. These measures are designed to protect vulnerable patients, as well as staff members.
For more media inquires, please contact Jamie Allen at 616-252-5033 or [email protected].