Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Should Know Now

“Coronavirus is similar to other viral outbreaks we’ve had in the past and Eisenhower Health and the community is well prepared to manage it as things come up. So, we’d just like to reassure everyone that if they follow protocols, this can be a managed illness,” asserts Euthym Kontaxis, MD, Medical Director, Eisenhower Tennity Emergency Department, Rancho Mirage, CA.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit Riverside County Department of Public Health https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Eisenhower Health is working closely with the Riverside County Public Health (RCPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor COVID-19. The safety of our patients, visitors, employees, volunteers and physicians is our first priority, and Eisenhower Health has mechanisms in place to address health concerns of this nature.

In addition to our standard infectious disease protocols, Eisenhower Health is following CDC guidelines and has instituted a number of measures to screen patients with potential COVID-19.

Eisenhower Health and its clinics are open and serving patients in the Coachella Valley. Eisenhower Health wants to provide you with the latest information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Call our hotline at 760-TEST988 (or 760-837-8988) to discuss any exposure or symptom concerns or any other questions you might have. The line is staffed 24 hours a day by registered nurses who are ready to assist you.

As always, patient safety is of utmost importance to us. Eisenhower Health medical professionals are well trained for the care and treatment of patients with infectious diseases and are prepared to treat sick members of our community. Our physicians, nurses and staff are trained and ready to treat patients with symptoms of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

Should I still come to Eisenhower Health for care?

Yes. Eisenhower Health cares for people with a number of conditions and infectious diseases like COVID-19 every day. Our Infection Prevention department works closely with Riverside County Public Health and CDC to ensure our safety protocols meet the highest standards. We continue to provide excellent patient care as we do under any conditions for everyone who needs us.

Unless you are otherwise notified by your physician, please keep any scheduled appointments. If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please call our hotline in advance of any appointments or before coming to the emergency department so we can help protect you and our community and do our part to minimize the spread of this virus.

Should I be concerned about physicians and nurses being exposed to COVID-19?

Medical professionals have the potential to be exposed to illness every day. They take precautions and are trained to handle infectious diseases with all patients. All physicians and staff have been advised to stay home if sick. Employees who may have been exposed to the patient diagnosed with COVID-19 are being asked to stay home and monitor their condition, the same as we do in other circumstances. Those employees were specifically identified and contacted individually. Eisenhower is working closely with Riverside County Public Health and CDC to employ best practices to protect all patients as well as our physicians and staff.

What if I have symptoms, or what if my family members have symptoms?

Eisenhower Health has established a hotline to call with any questions about symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. Please call 760-837-8988 (or 760-TEST988) to speak with a registered nurse about your concerns. If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please call our hotline in advance of any appointments or before coming to the emergency department so we can help protect you and our community and do our part to minimize the spread of this virus. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit Riverside County Department of Public Health https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/coronavirus.

How can I protect myself and my loved ones?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• 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 close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or bleach wipe
• Follow CDC’s recommendations regarding face masks:
  • CDC does NOT recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
  • The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).