Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Update

Are visitors allowed in the MHP Medical Center? Effective 11/16/2020

Visitation Restrictions for Patients age 18 and older:

We are not currently conducting screenings at our main entrances. We are, however, screening visitors as they arrive at various hospital departments (surgery, ACC, OB, and ER). All visitors will be asked the screening questions below and must answer appropriately before being approved.

Visitor restrictions vary by department. See the list below:

• Inpatient/ACC: Patients may have one designated visitors from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Emergency Dept: No visitors allowed (except for pediatric and altered mental status patients, both of which may have one designated visitor).
• Imaging/Surgery/Lab: Patients may have one designated visitor.
• Physician offices: Patients may have one designated visitor.
• Maternity Care/OB: Patients may have one designated visitor (no limitation on visiting hours).
• Pediatric Patients: Patients may have two designated visitors.
• Clergy/Priests: Priests and clergy persons are permitted to visit patients upon request.

These restrictions are subject to change.

Out-Patient Surgery Visitor Protocol:

• One 18 or older visitor allowed only.
• They will be required to sign legal documents, make decisions, and sign discharge instructions for patient.
• They will be symptom screened and given a mask when they arrive at entrance 5 only.
• If they pass symptom screening they are allowed to go into surgery department and sit in the SCC room the entire time.
• They are not allowed to leave the unit. They will provided a snack menu for refreshments.
• If they are not symptom-free, they are required to wait in their car and stay in our parking lot.

MHP Safety Plan

Extra Safety Measures have been put in place for your protection.

Major Health Partners takes the health and safety of our team members very seriously. MHP has developed this COVID-19 Safety Plan as part of our efforts to reduce the potential for exposure to and spread of the coronavirus. This plan is based on information available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). Our organization will continue to monitor coronavirus-related guidance and will communicate any changes to this plan. We are counting on all employees to do their part to promote a healthy, safe environment. If you have questions about this plan, please contact your director or HR.

1. Employee Health Screening Process

• MHP has instituted the following health screening process for all employees entering our facilities:
• Upon reporting for work, all employees will report any fever (> 100.4ᵒ), and all potential exposures to COVID-19
• Employees will self-monitor for symptoms including fever (> 100.4ᵒ), new/worsening cough, and difficulty breathing. If these or other symptoms develop, employees will self-quarantine and contact HR.
• An employee exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to immediately return home and not report to work until they are cleared of having COVID-19 and have been symptom-free for at least 72 hours.
• Employees are consistently reminded to stay home if they are exhibiting any symptoms.

2. COVID-19 Testing and Diagnosis

• Any employee who tests positive for COVID-19 or is diagnosed by a healthcare provider with COVID-19 should not report to work but should immediately notify HR.
• Any employee who tests positive for or is diagnosed with COVID-19 must stay out of the workplace for at least 10 days after illness onset (the date symptoms begin) and at least 3 days after recovery (the day symptoms are resolved, including the resolution of fever without fever-reducing medications).

3. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols for the Workplace

The following enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols will be in place until further notice:

• Disinfectant products are available and being used throughout our facilities.
• High-touch objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails and doorknobs are cleaned AND disinfected frequently
• Our Environmental Services team has increased the frequency and depth of cleanings to ensure all areas of the workplace are thoroughly cleaned with additional regularity.

4. Enhanced Personal Hygiene Measures

• MHP requires all caregivers to wash their hands with soap and water regularly and thoroughly, including at the beginning of each shift and upon returning from any break.
• Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout our facilities for caregivers, patients, and guests to use.
• When soap and water are not readily available and when hands are not visibly soiled, the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is acceptable.
• Avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• We discourage all handshaking - instead, use other non-contact methods of greeting.

5. Social Distancing

MHP requires all caregivers, patients, and visitors to follow the social distancing requirements established by the CDC, including maintaining six-foot social distancing for both caregivers and members of the general public when possible.

• Employees are required to wear masks at all times while on MHP premises. *Employees alone in a private office setting or in cubicles are permitted to remove their masks.
• Employees who come into direct contact with patients are required to wear eye protection and hair coverings.
• Patients and visitors are required to wear masks at all times while on MHP premises.
• The face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. Continue to keep about 6 feet apart from each other.
• We have marked six-foot distances throughout the workplace and have physically arranged physician office space and common areas to ensure individuals ideally stay six feet apart.
• We are limiting the use of waiting rooms by using direct rooming as much as possible.

6. Canceling Events

In accordance with the CDC event guidelines, most of the events (including support groups) throughout our organization have been canceled at this time. We are working to keep the event calendar on our website as up to date as possible, but it is an ever-evolving situation. If you see an event posted, please contact us to verify it is still going on prior to attending.

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person that was first identified in Wuhan, China.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads from person to person. The virus is thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes; however, this is not the main way the virus is thought to spread.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness symptoms including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

To help protect yourself and others, MHP recommends the following:

• If you have flu-like symptoms, wear a mask.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 (such as cell phones, keyboards, and doorknobs) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Eat healthily and get good sleep.

Should I wear a facemask?

The CDC does recommend that people who are well use a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

How long is the incubation period?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2-14 days after exposure.

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid further spread of the virus.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

What should I do if I am exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19?

MHP is now performing COVID-19 testing in our primary care offices. We are also offering testing at MHP Priority Care, located at 30 W. Rampart, Shelbyville, (open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.) is able to test patients who meet the CDC or Indiana State Department of Health testing criteria. Criteria include both symptoms and assessment of risk factors, like known exposure to a person with COVID-19, and consideration of chronic medical conditions. If you are not having any symptoms, then you would not be tested at this time. Please DO NOT drive to your doctor’s office. If it is a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

If I am a recovered COVID-19 patient can I donate plasma to help infected patients?

Versiti is collecting plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help treat others diagnosed with the virus. This blood-related treatment - approved by the FDA as an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) - could offer hope to the hundreds of patients who continue to be diagnosed. This treatment would be used by hospitals for the most severely affected patients. Participants must be eligible to donate blood. For more information: 1-866-702-HOPE (866-702-4673) or visit https://www.versiti.org/covid19plasma

Does MHP offer antibody testing?

COVID-19 IgG antibody testing, also known as serology testing, checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG). If you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, your body typically produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. Antibody tests may not be able to show if you have been exposed to COVID-19 because it can take at least two weeks after exposure to develop antibodies. This type of COVID-19 test requires a Physician order and is for individuals who think they may have had COVID-19 and do not currently have symptoms. This test does not tell you if you have an active infection. Consequently, not all patients are appropriate candidates for this type of testing, so please consult your doctor to see if you are a candidate.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections.

What are the dangers of contracting COVID-19?

Approximately 80% of those infected with COVID-19 will only experience mild symptoms and not require hospitalization. In extreme cases, individuals have experienced pneumonia, multi-organ failure and death.

What is Major Health Partners doing to ensure the health and safety of the communities it serves?

MHP is continuing to work in close contact with the Indiana Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control to obtain to latest statistics and details. We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our patients and staff.

For additional information and rolling updates on COVID-19 please refer to:

• Indiana State Dept of Health
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention