Patient Alert: Coronavirus
March 23, 2020 – Awareness and prevention are key to reducing possible exposure and illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. You are the best line of defense against contracting COVID-19.
If you are a patient and develop mild to severe respiratory symptoms, you are encouraged to seek medical help. It is important to call us first before you visit so that our staff can provide you with instructions to help keep you and others safe from possible exposure.
Other things you can do to protect your health:
- Stay home. Follow the Governor’s directions and self-quarantine. Unless you are seeking food, medicine, or medical service or are designated an essential service, your biggest contribution to the health of your family and your community is to STAY HOME.
- Wash your hands frequently, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice). This includes soaping up after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing, being in a public place or using the bathroom and before touching food. Be sure to get between your fingers and around your thumbs!
- Use an alcohol-based antibacterial hand sanitizer if there is no access to soap and water. If you have to leave your house, take hand sanitizer with you. Keep some in the car to use after food shopping or pumping gas.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash promptly. Better yet, sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow!
- Avoid touching your face: eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Maintain your social distance. The CDC has determined you should allow 6 feet between you and the next person. This is especially important in line at the grocery store.
- Stay home if you are sick or think you might be getting sick.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects as much as possible. Use antibacterial wipes or a solution of 1 part bleach, 10 parts water. Phones, computers and remotes also need cleaning. Consult each product’s website for specific directions.
- Monitor for signs of anxiety or stress. Sharing accurate facts is helpful during uncertain times. Talking to a behavioral health provider can also help. Be sure to call us if you or someone you love is showing signs of trauma or other mental health changes.
- Check in on those you care about. Call or video chat with friends and neighbors. Ask if you can help anyone elderly by picking up groceries or prescriptions. Take this time to start a new family tradition like learning a new game or song or making a favorite dish together.
- Make sure to save some time for your own self-care, be it a walk by yourself, or some time with a special project.
- Other questions? Call the Yale New Haven Hospital hotline at 203-688-1700. It is free and open to anyone in the community with a question about COVID-19.
We will continue to update our Website as we receive new information from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and our State and Local Health Departments.