As coronavirus cases spike across the nation, at least one area hospital is following the state’s lead as health officials prepare for the virus’ expected spread to Pennsylvania.
Coronavirus infections appearing in Pennsylvania is only “a matter of time,” according to Lori Martin, an infection preventionist with Butler Health System, Clarion Hospital.
“It (coronavirus) is something that has been very much focused on by us and every other hospital,” Martin said last month.
“Just a lot more awareness as far as the travel histories (of patients) and more discussions regarding what we can do to prepare and looking at what our supplies are and making sure that we have the personal protection equipment that would be needed,” Martin said.
Martin said Clarion Hospital and other hospitals in the state currently can’t directly test if a person is positive for coronavirus. Only the state health department and its laboratories can test for coronavirus, Martin said.
Hospitals are focused on first eliminating the possibilities of other respiratory illnesses similar to coronavirus.
“We need to rule out if it is the flu or any other respiratory illness with similar symptoms,” Martin said.
Martin said that if a case appears that would require further testing from the state health department, a sample would be collected and sent to a state bureau lab. If a patient needs to be hospitalized for coronavirus, Martin said the person would be put in isolation.
Martin said 80 percent of the confirmed coronavirus cases in China were mild cases.
“We reinforce to our staff of washing our hands and practicing good respiratory hygiene and keeping your hands away from your face,” Martin said. “Your eyes, nose and mouth are the most common way of (respiratory illnesses) entering your body.”
Martin said it’s important to focus on credible information regarding coronavirus.
“It’s something that we need to pay attention to, but we need to not be afraid to where we are locking ourselves up at home,” Martin said.
“It’s still an ever changing and developing situation and all we can do is make sure we are prepared and updated to deal with what comes across our desk,” she added.