ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SAR-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans.
HOW IS COVID-19 SPREAD?
According the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is predominantly spread person-to-person when people are in close contact with one another (within approximately 6 feet). Small droplets from coughing and sneezing can enter the mouth and lungs of individuals nearby. It is also possible that infection can happen by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it (e.g., a computer keyboard, door handle, a table) which is then transferred when an individual touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose, though this is not the main cause of spread.
People are most contagious when they are symptomatic, especially through coughing; however, spread can occur before people show symptoms.
PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid people who are sick
- If you are required to be around people, keep a distance of at least 6 feet
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- 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 wipe
- Facemasks should be used, particularly by people who are suspected of or show symptoms of COVID-19, to help prevent the spread of the disease to others
- Every precaution should be taken to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - eye protection, mask, gloves, gown – when taking care of someone with COVID-19 in closed settings (e.g., home, health care facility, nursing home)
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom; before eating; and, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer whose contents is at least 60% alcohol
LUCCAHEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
As the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Ghana changes daily, LuccaHealth is constantly reviewing and updating its protocol consistent with WHO, CDC and GHS recommendations.
LuccaHealth has assessed its operations to ensure patients, visitor and employee safety by instituting the following operations protocol:
FOR VISITORS/PATIENTS
a. All visitors/patients will be required to use the hand sanitizer located at the entrance of LuccaHealth before entering the building. There will be a LuccaHealth clinical staff member stationed at the entrance to enforce this rule
b. All visitors/patients will be screened before entering the facility. A clinical staff member will check the temperature of all visitors and patients at the front entrance and inquire if the patient/visitor is experiencing cold-like symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat and general malaise
c. The clinical staff member performing the screening at the front entrance will wear Personal Protective Equipment (mask, gloves, gown and if possible, goggles) before approaching anyone to check their temperature
d. According to CDC guidelines, a relevant fever is defined as a temperature of 38 degree Celsius or higher; however, if a patient or visitor has a temperature of 37.4 Celsius or higher, he/she shall be quarantined in the designated consultation room, regardless of their travel history
e. All visitors/patients will be asked the following questions:
1. Have you or a member of your family travelled outside of Ghana within the last 30 days?
2. Have you or a member of your family been in contact with someone who has travelled outside Ghana within the last 30 days?
f. If they answer ‘YES’ to any of the above questions, the screening will continue with the following questions:
1. What countries did you or your family member visit?
2. Has the patient travelled or been in contact with someone who has travelled and tested positive?
g. If the answers are yes, the patient will not have an appointment scheduled at LuccaHealth
1. Patients/visitors with at least one sign/symptom will be quarantined in the designated consultation room regardless of travel history. The clinical staff member will report any incident to the Nurse Manager or Chief Nursing Officer and a physician, after all proper precautions have been exercised
2. If the case is highly suspicious, LuccaHealth will notify the authorities at the following office:
Public Health Department of the Ghana Health Service
0552222004
0552222005
0509497700
0558439868
Team General Hospital and Ridge Hospital are the nearest designated treatment/isolation centers