INITIAL CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

Dr. William Dunbar, College President, called the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on January 22 for guidance in preparation for a pandemic outbreak. The CDC indicated that a meeting was being conducted that day, and guidance would be forthcoming. This is the CDC recommendation as of February 28, 2020.

CDC Guidance on the Coronavirus

From the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html)

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • 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.

Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

IMPORTANT – THIS RECOMMENDATION WAS CHANGED. THE CDC RECOMMENDS WEARING MASKS!

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

MCOM’s Environmental Considerations

  • The College has ordered and will install air sterilizers at both campuses.
  • The College is cleaned and disinfected by the cleaning company, Jani-King. They have forwarded us their plans for additional measures during the cold and flu season and additional steps they will take during the coronavirus outbreak.
  • Interns and students should be conscious of the environment in which they work and learn. Disinfectant spray bottles will be placed in each classroom and clinic areas. Students may choose to spray and wipe down the chairs and classroom tables prior to beginning class.
  • Treatment areas and tables should be wiped down before and after each use.

 

MCOM’s Hand Washing Policy

The College recommends that all students, faculty, and staff wash their hands:

  • Before, during, and after treating patients and handling a patient’s file
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before and after eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

Alcohol Sanitizer versus Handwashing

  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the most effective products for reducing the number of germs on the hands of healthcare providers.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the preferred method for cleaning your hands in most clinical situations.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water whenever they are visibly dirty, before eating, and after using the restroom.

During Routine Patient Care:

Use an Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

  • Immediately before touching a patient
  • Before performing an aseptic task (e.g., placing an indwelling device) or handling invasive medical devices
  • Before moving from work on a soiled body site to a clean body site on the same patient
  • After touching a patient or the patient’s immediate environment

Wash with Soap and Water

  • When hands are visibly soiled
  • After caring for a person with known or suspected infectious diarrhea
  • After known or suspected exposure to spores (e.g., B. anthracis, C difficile outbreaks)

Detection of Initial Case

For all personnel: If you have a fever or any other viral or cold symptoms, do not come to school. Call the College and report your absence.

MCOM will follow the local and state health department recommendations on reporting for patients who meet the criteria for pandemic influenza or coronavirus.

In the event of a suspected case or any question, contact Dr. Dunbar at 262-554-2010 or 866-253-4818 24hrs.

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