With more test results coming in, our city is now up to 27 known cases. Our task force continues to respond to the immediate needs of the community, and prepare for those to come. The following provides a general idea of the types of questions we are asking to help inform the city’s COVID-19 response strategy, and why they are important.
COVID-19 Response Plan Considerations
Health System Preparedness
The ability of the health system to handle the surge of COVID-19 patients is paramount. It is the primary reason for our social distancing efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus. How do we gauge the capacity of our city’s healthcare system?
- How many hospital beds does the city have?
- How many ICU beds?
- How many ventilators?
- How many healthcare staff?
- What is the existing supply of personal protective equipment?
- How is the city procuring more of all of the above?
- What is the plan should hospitals exceed capacity? (Are there temporary treatment facilities)?
Testing Procedures
As the virus (and awareness of the virus) spreads, the demand for testing will increase. Having an appropriate protocol in place will help ensure organized and efficient testing procedures while, importantly, adhering to the necessary safety and social distancing guidelines. What are some of the key testing considerations? (These apply to non-hospitalized suspected cases).
- Testing locations – ideally situated away from hospitals to avoid congestion and unnecessary exposure
- Drive-up/mobile testing when possible
- With a physician’s prescription only – physician will determine if symptoms and medical history meet COVID-19 testing criteria
- By appointment only
- Priority testing and/or separate testing site(s) for healthcare workers and first responders
Persons Under Investigation
Persons under investigation (PUIs) include individuals with symptoms whose test results are pending, and asymptomatic individuals who may have been exposed to a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case. How do we manage and instruct PUIs to prevent the further spread of virus?
The CDC has developed health department guidelines for (1) how to evaluate PUIs, (2) how to report PUIs and confirmed cases, and (3) what preventative measures a PUI should take based on their risk of exposure.
Confirmed Cases
What is the course of action once a persons’s test comes back positive for COVID-19? If he/she does not require hospitalization, the CDC has developed guidelines for self isolation and home care. This includes guidance on when it is safe for an individual to discontinue home isolation.
First Responders and Emergency Medical Services
How do we ensure the safety and preparedness of our first responders? Police, Fire, and EMS departments will play a crucial role during the COVID-19 crisis. The CDC has developed EMS guidelines for patient assessment and transport, the use of personal protective equipment, the cleaning of vehicles, and other important steps in responding to an emergency.
High Risk Groups
This includes seniors (primarily those in senior housing), individuals with disabilities, low-income households, and the homeless. What procedures are in place to ensure the health and safety of these individuals, including access to healthcare services, food, essential services, and housing/shelter? What state and federal aid programs are available to further support these individuals?
Continued Social Distancing Measures
How do we maximize our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community?
- “Stay-at-home order” for all non-essential employees
- Non-essential travel restrictions
- Non-essential retail businesses closed
- School closures
- House of worship closures
- Public library and offices closed
- Cancellation of all public events and gatherings
- Restaurants open for take-out only
- Essential businesses (eg, pharmacies, grocery stores) recommended to limit the number of customers to maintain social distancing guidelines (ie, 6 feet between individuals)
Communication
How is this information being conveyed to residents and businesses clearly, concisely, in a timely fashion, and with the utmost consideration for the angst and uncertainty that many individuals may be experiencing at this moment in time?