THE KAREN HOSPITAL STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS DISEASE COVID -19

In the wake of COVID-19 diagnosis in our country, The Karen Hospital remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of its patients, visitors, employees and fellow country men. As the pandemic rapidly evolves, our medical experts are working closely with the Ministry of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other local public health experts to monitor the disease and identify the best practices for containment.

We have a fully prepared Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPC) and a comprehensive emergency response team, which is managing the Hospital’s COVID-19 response and preparedness. Our clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses.

We have put in place measures to help us effectively respond to COVID-19:

• We continue to work closely and follow guidance from the Ministry Of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that we are prepared with appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to COVID-19.
• We have a robust emergency operations plan in place and are reviewing and proactively completing a number of preparation checklists out of an abundance of caution.
• We have hand hygiene products easily accessible throughout our facility. Please ensure you observe proper hand hygiene by sanitizing your hands using alcohol based sanitizer and thoroughly washing your hands using soap and water.
• We are screening patients in our emergency department, inpatient units and outpatient clinics based on CDC guidance.
• Staff treating a potential COVID-19 case are provided with all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to help prevent exposure.
• Patients with respiratory or COVID-19- related symptoms are immediately provided masks to wear to help prevent exposure to others.
• Only essential and close relatives of admitted patients will be allowed to visit. These visits will be strictly regulated and visitors are requested to comply with instructions given by hospital personnel.

In the event that we identify a potential COVID-19 case, we will follow all Ministry of Health and CDC guidelines for placing that individual in isolation for their care and for the protection of other patients, employees and visitors.

While The Karen Hospital is prepared to do its part; there is much that individuals can do to respond to this pandemic, protect themselves and stop the spread of the disease:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Staying home when you are feeling unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash. If you do not have tissue, use a flexed elbow.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, including your phone, computer, remote controls and doorknobs.
• Washing 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.
• Using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available (Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty)
• Practicing social distancing behaviors, avoiding public gatherings and unnecessary travel, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others when possible.

If you are experiencing illness symptoms; fever, cough, shortness of breath, have recently travelled from the affected countries, or have been in close contact with an officially diagnosed person, Call our emergency number 0702 222 222 or the Ministry of Health emergency numbers 0729 471 414 or

0732 353 535 and notify us that your emergency involves symptoms possibly related to COVID-19.

For non-emergency needs, if you need medical attention due to respiratory illness and plan to visit our hospital, your primary care provider or an urgent clinic, please call ahead before your visit and let them know that you are experiencing symptoms that may possibly be related to COVID-19. This will allow providers to properly prepare for your visit and take the necessary precautions to keep others from being infected.

The Karen Hospital advices members of the public not to panic as it continues to accord the highest standards of medical care to all its patients indiscriminately