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Update: July 14, 2020

Updated 4:45 p.m., 7/14/2020

  • It’s Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
  • State Stats: Louisiana has 79,827 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,315 deaths; 1,308 patients are hospitalized and 147 are on vents. Both bed utilization and vent utilization is on the rise statewide.
  • The Governor has instituted mandatory masking requirements statewide. There is increasing epidemiological evidence that wearing a masks protects YOU and OTHERS. Please set a good example both in the hospital and out in the public.
  • North Oaks Stats: Today we have 23 positive patients in-house, and three COVID-19 patients on vents. We have successfully recovered 265 COVID patients, and have had no COVID-related deaths since June 18th. J
    • Hood has 20 patients today, with one COVID-19 positive patient.
    • NORH has 20 patients today, with one COVID-19 positive patient.
  • A big shout out to our Pulmonologists and ICU teams, along with all the staff that contribute to the love and care of COVID-19 patients. The state’s mortality rate for COVID is 4.15%; in Tangipahoa Parish it is almost half that - at 2.32%. Way to go, everyone!
  • Employee Wellness reports a spike in the number of employees home monitoring symptoms. We have 59 employees home monitoring symptoms today; 11 are RNs. We returned 17 to work yesterday.
    • A reminder – if you are exhibiting ANY symptoms of COVID, please call employee wellness to be triaged. If you get tested (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), you must stay home to monitor symptoms until you receive test results. Please remember to inform Employee Wellness of your status, and get cleared to return to duty.
    • We are seeing a growing number of employees who are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms (sore throat, headache) but are testing positive.
  • It is vitally important that we remain vigilant with safety practices:
    • DAILY TEMPERATURE CHECKS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • Wear your masks appropriately. Both the nose and the mouth must remain covered.
    • Follow hand hygiene protocol – wash hands for 20 seconds/use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day.
    • Eating/drinking in public areas (nurses stations, reception desks) is not appropriate, because masks must be worn at ALL TIMES in areas where people interact. Masks may be removed if you are alone in a private office with the door closed.
    • Wipe down high-touch surfaces frequently throughout the day – both at work and at home.
    • Maintain 6 feet distance when in line in the cafeteria or at PJs.
  • Supplies are adequate on most fronts; we are getting low on gloves – so please use what you need, but don’t waste. Molecular COVID tests continue to be at the critical level. As such, we are managing that supply carefully, and using ONLY on critically ill patients. Rapid tests are NOT being authorized for any employees or physicians.
  • Staffing is getting tight in some areas as more employees are out monitoring. Please use all precautions to keep yourself healthy (see above).
  • Volume trends:
    • June OR volume was 86% of pre-COVID volume.
    • NOPG Clinic and Walk-in Clinic volume is rising, but so is no-show rate as COVID-19 surges.
    • ODC volume is steady at about 300 patients/day.
    • The drive-through testing station performed 21 tests yesterday.
    • Calls to the COVID hotline are up – and 34 video visits were performed yesterday.
  • Make sure your hurricane boxes are ready to deploy.
  • Be sure to turn in your COVID-19 time sheets. Our update calls qualify as COVID-19 hours.
  • Let’s all be careful out there and stay hydrated. The heat index this week is unbelievable!