Update on COVID-19
Mountain Health Network (MHN) continues to closely monitor the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Health officials and medical professionals around the world are working at unprecedented speed to help halt the spread of COVID-19. Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center has experience with handling infectious diseases and infection control of viruses, like COVID-19. Our infection prevention teams are working in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and local authorities to provide information and implement policies intended to ensure the continued health and safety of our community.
All protocols are intended to protect our employees and enable them to provide care in the safest manner possible. These preparations are part of our mission to meet the health care needs of our community and align with World Health Organization standards and are incorporated in our formal emergency response plans.
Based upon existing knowledge, practice, capabilities and capacities within the hospital, the health system and the community, these plans include preparedness to respond to both internal and external emergencies, such as coordination of responses to specific risks of an imminent or ongoing epidemic.
How can you help? Much like steps taken for cold and flu season, routine prevention is key.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. You should be fever-free for 24 hours prior to returning to work and should wear a mask if exhibiting ongoing respiratory illness symptoms.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you are not feeling well, please contact your physician. If you have questions about Coronavirus, you can call the West Virginia DHHR information hotline at 1.800.887.4304. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Again, the number is 1.800.887.4304.
Click on the resources below to learn more.
- Total Cases in the United States
- Senate Passes the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Coronavirus Prevention
- Proper Hand Washing
- Executive Order Prohibiting Elective Procedures
- DHHR Public Health Measures for Businesses Remaining Open
- Federal Guidelines Opening Up America Again
Residents and Students
- Plan for resuming clinical education rotations
- Infection prevention requirements for clinical learning environments
Mental Health and Wellness
Providers
- General Information for Providers
- Evaluating and Reporting People Under Investigation
- FAQ for Healthcare Professionals
- Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease
- What Healthcare Personnel Should Know about Caring for Patients with Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Infection
EMS
Nursing Homes
Labs
- Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19