Do I need PPE and how do I use it?

If you are in contact with a COVID-19 confirmed or COVID-19 suspected patient, you do need to follow CDC guidelines for PPE. If you need training for proper use of PPE, notify your manager and please participate in ongoing training or contact Employee Health at x2727. This is an evolving situation and the CDC guidelines may change frequently.

How to don, use and doff PPE

CDC infection control recommendations

What should healthcare personnel know about caring for patients with confirmed or possible COVID-10 infection?
I need more information about COVID-19. What are some frequently asked questions and answers?
What does someone do if they are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

What should I do if I’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and I didn’t have on appropriate PPE or used PPE improperly?

If you have any concerns or questions about exposure, please contact Employee Health at x2727.

Do patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 need to be admitted to the hospital?

Not all patients with COVID-19 require hospital admission. Patients whose clinical presentation warrants in-patient clinical management for supportive medical care should be admitted to the hospital under appropriate isolation precautions. Some patients with an initial mild clinical presentation may worsen in the second week of illness. The decision to monitor these patients in the inpatient or outpatient setting should be made on a case-by-case basis. This decision will depend not only on the clinical presentation, but also on the patient’s ability to engage in monitoring, the ability for safe isolation at home, and the risk of transmission in the patient’s home environment.

Who should go to the Emergency Department?

We urge people to use the emergency room only for serious illness and medical emergencies like injuries, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and altered levels of consciousness. If you aren’t sick or only have mild symptoms — and aren’t in a high-risk group (see below) — it’s best to stay home and not come to the hospital. There is no vaccine and no medicine specific to coronavirus (COVID-19), so just with the mild flu, get rest and fluids, wash your hands frequently and stay away from other people.

People at increased risk for complications who develop any COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath should contact their doctor. At-risk populations include people over 60, young children, people who are immunocompromised or who have chronic heart, lung or kidney functions or diabetes.

What should you do if you think you have the coronavirus?

If you have a cough, fever or respiratory issues or have traveled recently and/or believe you may have coronavirus, please contact your doctor or a health care provider. You can also call Natividad at (831) 755-4111 or the Monterey County Health Department at (831) 755-4500. For general information about the coronavirus, you can contact 211.

What should you do if I get a bill for COVID-19 at Natividad?

Natividad and the County Human Resources Department have collaborated on a process to provide County employees who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, with a mechanism to receive pre-screening for possible COVID-19 testing eligibility. County employees who seek and receive COVID-19 services at Natividad may be eligible for a waiver of certain fees for testing services provided by December 31, 2020 to County employees only. Please click here for more information: COVID-19 Testing Employee Flyer

What should you do if you’re severely ill?

If you are severely ill, unable to breathe, please get urgent or emergency care, or call 911. Please be sure to contact your doctor’s office or hospital and tell them you have a fever, cough or recently traveled and/or you may have coronavirus BEFORE you arrive so we can take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. It’s also important to ask for a facemask and wear it over your mouth and nose when you are around other people.

What should you do if you are mildly ill but might have the coronavirus?

People who are mildly ill and not considered at increased risk for complications are often able to isolate at home during their illness. The CDC provides steps for preventing coronavirus from spreading to others. Some of these recommendations include:

• Restrict activities outside your home.
• Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Wear a facemask (covering nose and mouth) around other people.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Wash your hands often.
• More info here.

What does the CDC say about travel?

What is Natividad doing about COVID-19?

As soon as the CDC sent an alert about the outbreak, Natividad formed our Emergency Operations Center Planning Group. Natividad relies on information from the CDC, World Health Organization, State and local County Public Health Departments to obtain the most current information and recommendations. They also provide guidelines for screening of patients and procedures for health care workers to follow should a patient require isolation, and to ensure patient and health care worker safety.

With standard protocols in place at all times and working closely with our local and national government health agencies to update protocols as necessary, Natividad and our staff is well-prepared to care for patients with symptoms of COVID-19. Thank you for all of your hard work and commitment to keeping our community healthy.

How do I stay healthy?

• • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your face with your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects often.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from a person who is ill.
  • Consider delaying travel to areas with outbreaks of COVID-19.
  • If you haven’t already, get an influenza shot. Influenza is still circulating in our communities.
  • If you do get sick, to keep from spreading the virus to others:Stay home and avoid public or crowded areas.

–     Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
–     Consider the use of over-the-counter medications to reduce symptoms of fever, coughing, and congestion.
–     Reserve emergency room visits for serious illness and medical emergencies like injuries, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and altered levels of consciousness.
–     Call your medical provider before visiting the office. Most otherwise healthy individuals with mild respiratory symptoms may not need to see a medical provider.
–     It’s not too late to get your flu shot! Please contact Employee Health at x2727 if you are interested.

• • If you are concerned about a disruption due to the virus, using general preparedness methods may make you feel more secure, such as:

–     Have a supply of all essential medications for your entire family.
–     Make a childcare plan if you or your child’s caregiver is sick or there is a school closure.
–     Know how you can care for a sick family member without getting sick yourself.