There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the southwest part of Virginia, as of Wednesdsay afternoon. But doctors at Carilion Clinic say it's only a matter of time until that changes. And the health care system is working to be ready.
Carilion managers and doctor detailed those efforts during a news conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Carilion's CEO, Nancy Agee, said hospitals have prepped areas where patients can be isolated and elective, non-urgent surgeries have been postponed. Carilion is also working to increase the capacity of its Intensive Care Unit. It currently has about 150 ICU beds.
Dr. Patrice Weiss, Carilion's Chief Medical Officer, said 165 patients have been tested. So far, all results have been negative, but some tests are still pending. Weiss said she does expect to see positive test results at some point. Weiss noted about 100 Carilion employees have had to self-quarantine over the past few weeks because they came into contact with a potential case and were not wearing the proper protective gear at the time. That has fueled rumors about cases that weren't being reported. Once a negative test result comes back, those employees were clear to return to work.
Dr. Paul Skolnick says action now can still help contain the virus. "All these concepts of social distancing, not coming to work if you’re feeling ill, washing your hands with soap and water, those are the kinds of endeavors that will help us to limit the spread of the virus throughout the community."
Skolnick says testing supplies are still limited and only patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be tested. Those symptoms include a fever and respiratory symptoms like cough and shortness of breath. Doctors say patients should call their primary care physician before going to the doctor's office or hospital so symptoms can be evaluated over the phone.
Carilion is working to open a remote site for evaluation and testing in the next few days. Weiss said Carilion was making provisions to aquire additional respirators and medical equipment if it's needed.
***Editor's Note: Carilion Clinic is a financial supporter of Radio IQ.
