Coronavirus Update and Health System Preparations - 4/7

Testing and Confirmed Cases
To protect patient privacy, we have established a minimum threshold of five for reporting numbers of inpatients with laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19.

DCH internal counts as of noon on 4/7/20:

• 10 inpatients are being treated for COVID-19.

• Five or fewer inpatients who are positive for COVID-19 are being treated in the ICU.

• Five or fewer inpatients who are positive for COVID-19 are on ventilators.

• 85 (cumulative) have tested positive for COVID-19 including individuals from the ED, triage tent and inpatient. These individuals are not necessarily in the hospital.

• 1,982 (cumulative) have tested negative at DCH sites.

Plexiglass Hoods

Departments from the University of Alabama and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International have already partnered to produce face shields for providers at DCH Health System.

Now, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International has also started producing Plexiglass hoods to reduce the possibility of viral transmission during procedures such as placing a breathing tube, where the chance of aerosolization (coughing, sneezing, etc.) is increased.

The outpouring of community support and innovation continues to be amazing. Thank you!