COVID-19 update

As we strive to keep our healthcare professionals and staff informed with the most recent developments in the coronavirus outbreak, below is a useful, easy-to-read summary of the current situation and how to prepare to reduce your risk of infection. Cross Country Healthcare and our leaders remain committed to communicate with you and keep you informed with up-to-date information. Your health and safety are of utmost important at all time.

In the meantime, we have set up a Cross Country Healthcare Hotline at 800-998-5058 to answer any questions or concerns you may have. My clinical team and I stand ready to assist you at any time and it’s our goal to ensure your safety and health. Be safe, practice safe and know safety!

Current State of Coronavirus Outbreak

• The outbreak of the newly identified coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is entering its third month as cases in China and throughout the world continue to rise.
• More than 83,000 cases of the COVID-19 disease have now been confirmed in more than 50 countries.
• Although there have been several confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., for the first time a U.S. patient has been identified as infected with the coronavirus who did not travel anywhere known to have the virus.
• Because of this development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sent out new testing guidance to healthcare workers, found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html

Who’s Being Most Affected by COVID-19?

• Persons who may be infected by the coronavirus can have symptoms ranging from none to mild, while others are severe and potentially deadly.
• Approximately 80% of those who have died are 60 years old or older, and 75% have underlying comorbidities and multiple health conditions.
• The mortality rate of COVID-19 is estimated to be 2%, which is higher than the seasonal flu but far lower than SARS.
• However, because so many people who have been infected have none or mild symptoms, they have not been tested. This means the mortality rate is likely to be lower than 2%.
• Roughly two-thirds of those confirmed to have COVID-10 are men.
• Although children can be infected by COVID-19, most do not develop severe symptoms and are primarily mild in nature.

Preparedness is Vital

• The need to prepare for a possible outbreak cannot be understated. In fact, counties such as San Francisco County and Orange County, California have both issued a State of Emergency as a cautionary measure for residents to think about preparedness. Some states are announcing the need for emergency preparedness.
• The U.S. is preparing for a potential outbreak and has put some measures in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
• For example, all people entering the U.S. from China are now screened by the CDC at U.S. airports approved to accept flights from China.
• Those with symptoms are taken to the hospital for further testing while those without symptoms are placed in a 14-day quarantine.
• There are measures and practices individuals and healthcare professionals can follow to help protect you and your family from possible infection of the coronavirus.
• Because the virus lives on surfaces for an average of 3 or 4 days and up to 9 days, be sure to frequently conduct deep cleaning on all surfaces.
• Frequent handwashing is also of utmost importance.
• While wearing a mask is a protective option, most of the people infected thus far had close, prolonged contact with infected persons.
• Because healthcare workers are at greater risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and the risk of nosocomial infection remains high at this time, all healthcare professionals must adhere and follow the Personal Protective Equipment protocols to protect yourself, your patients, your family members and the public at large.
• You must also follow the protocols, policies and procedures at your specific facility or location, this means reviewing the plans and procedures in place to handle an epidemic.