San Juan Regional Medical Center held a drill Thursday to prepare for a potential surge of patients presenting to the hospital with influenza-like illnesses.
This is part of the hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Plan in response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. There are no confirmed coronavirus cases in New Mexico.
This drill included the use of a “drive-through” assessment area and a covered treatment tent in one of the parking lots. If warranted, patients coming to the Emergency Department with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath would be directed to this area, evaluated and treated if necessary. The goal is to keep those patients out of the Emergency Department and away from others to prevent the spread of illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best thing you can do to avoid getting sick is to practice standard infection prevention measures.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing noses, coughing or sneezing, or if hands are visibly dirty. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with others who are sick.
For more information, visit www.sanjuanregional.com/coronavirus or www.sanjuanregional.com/blog.
