COVID-19 Patient FAQ

FAQ about COVID-19

1. Is it safe? How are you going to make sure that I don’t get COVID-19?
   • We are taking many measures to make sure you are safe.
   • All patients are checked for possible infection with the virus before entering the hospital.
   • All patients will maintain a distance of at least 6 feet when visiting the hospital and no visitors are allowed except in special circumstances.
   • All employees and patients are required to wear a mask and hand sanitizers (cleaning solutions for your hands) are available throughout the hospital.
   • We will do our best to minimize your waiting time before you see your doctor.
2. Am I going to be with COVID-19 patients? Will the floor that I am in have COVID-19 patients? Will my clinic have patients that have COVID-19?
   • The COVID-19 patients are treated in specific floors in the hospital. You will not be in a floor that has known COVID-19 patients.
   • All patients are checked for possible infection with the virus before entering the hospital by making them answer a questionnaire and checking their temperature. All patients will maintain a distance of at least 6 feet
   • when visiting the hospital and no visitors are allowed except in special circumstances.
   • All employees and patients are required to wear a mask and hand sanitizers (cleaning solutions for your hands) are available throughout the hospital.
   • We will do our best to minimize your waiting time before you see your doctor. The chances of you being exposed to COVID-19 will be kept to a minimal.
3. Can I get COVID-19 in the hospital? What are the chances?
   • You may have potential exposure to COVID-19, however we follow recommended infection prevention protocols to keep you safe during your hospital stay.
4. Are you operating on COVID-19 patients?
   • Yes, mainly as an emergency but we have a separate Operating Room (OR) suites designated for COVID-19 positive patients.
     However, during this pandemic the assumption is that everyone is positive but the hospital has measures in place to protect you and the staff: wearing face masks, alternating ORs, PPE for the operating room team, keeping 6 feet distance between you and other patients.
5. Do you have enough protective wear?
   • Yes.
6. Is the ventilator clean and safe?
   • Yes, also the operating rooms are terminally cleaned after every operation.
7. How do you operate on me if everyone has be 6 feet apart?
   • The protective wear that the OR team wears allows them to operate close together. It not only protects them but protects you as well.
8. Will I be tested for COVID-19?
   • If you are having a surgery or procedure done then you will probably be tested. It is ultimately your physician’s decision.
   • If you are coming for a clinic visit you will not be tested unless indicated.
9. How many COVID-19 patients do you have in the hospital?
   • It varies on a daily basis but they are all on specific floors that are dedicated to COVID-19 patients and if you need admission you will NOT be going to those floors.
10. Can I postpone my surgery?
    • Your doctor will discuss with you whether your surgery should be done now or delayed.
11. Has the staff been tested for COVID-19 and how do I know that they don’t have it?
    • The staff is required to report any symptoms and they are evaluated by the employee health doctors and tested for COVID-19 as needed.
    • They also have to be cleared by employee health prior to coming back to work. In addition all the employees wear personal protective equipment to protect them and you.