Indiana has its first confirmed case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). At Major Health Partners (MHP) we are following direction from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as we establish our practices in identifying, diagnosing and caring for these potential patients.

This is very much an evolving situation, hence the need to rely heavily on direction from the ISDH. For more information and updates on COVID-19, we encourage you to visit www.cdc.gov, www.in.gov/isdh or the MHP website at www.myMHP.org.  These sites will provide you with reliable, up-to-date, valid information. 

“At MHP, we are coordinating efforts with the CDC and the ISDH to prepare for, plan, monitor and respond to this evolving situation on a local level,” said Linda Wessic, CNO, COO at MHP. So far, MHP has not had any patients present that met the testing guidelines. “We have incorporated the assessment of clinical symptoms and risk factors into our clinical intake documentation and are well prepared,” said Wessic.

This direction will guide MHP staff through a process that assists them in determining if testing for the COVID 19 virus is warranted. As noted in the attached document, testing requires consultation with our Infection Control Dept, who then confers with the local Health Dept and subsequently, the ISDH. 

“Should a patient with COVID-19 symptoms present themselves, our goal upon entry into our system, would be to protect and contain.”, said Wessic. “Patients with applicable symptoms would be instructed to wear a mask and would be isolated as much as possible within the care area. If testing is indicated, all ambulatory/out-patients will be transported to the Emergency Dept and placed in a negative airflow room. Inpatients will be moved to a negative air flow room on the third floor.”

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 door knobs) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Eat healthy and get good sleep.