Tulane Health System announces cautionary protocols within facilities to protect against COVID-19

To provide a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors, staff and physicians, beginning Monday, March 9, entry points at all Tulane Health System care sites will be consolidated to allow screening prior to entry, per CDC guidelines

WHO: Tulane Health System facilities

WHAT: Cautionary measures and protocol for patients, visitors and staff

WHEN: Beginning Monday, March 9

WHERE: Tulane Health System hospitals - Tulane Medical Center, Lakeside Hospital, and Lakeview Hospital , a campus of Tulane Medical Center.

WHY: Tulane Health System today announced measures being adopted to protect the health of patients, visitors and staff in facilities throughout the region and the community against the coronavirus, COVID-19.

“The health and well-being of our patients, visitors, colleagues, those who count on our health system and the community are paramount at Tulane Health System,” said Dr. Robert Lynch, CEO of Tulane Health System. “As healthcare providers committed to the care and improvement of human life, we take very seriously our responsibility to provide a safe environment, while delivering high quality, compassionate healthcare.”

Dr. Lynch said that, out of an abundance of caution, precautionary measures — beyond what are performed routinely during influenza season — are being implemented on Monday.

“We are grateful that we’ve not seen impact locally of COVID-19,” said Hiral Patel, CEO of Lakeview Hospital . “At all Tulane Health System facilities, our goal is to take every precaution by limiting the risk of exposure to our patients, visitors, colleagues and physicians in order to keep our patients, our caregivers and our community safe.”

These measures include:

• Consolidating entry points in all Tulane Health System hospitals and requiring that all patients and visitors are screened prior to entry, per the CDC and Louisiana Department of Health guidelines.
• Based on the screening outcome, appropriate protocols will be implemented.
• Canceling and rescheduling some community events and classes.
• Beginning Monday, visitors to all Tulane Health System care sites in the region will encounter signage to help them navigate through the site and greeters who will assist in navigation and questions.

As is always the case when visiting Tulane Health System care sites, the public is encouraged to seek medical attention and avoid visiting a patient if they:

• Have a fever.
• Have a cough or shortness of breath and/or have traveled outside the U.S. in the past 14 days.
• Have had direct contact with someone who is currently being screened or has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

“For many people, COVID-19 will present in a mild manner, very similar to the flu, and they will recover safely at home with rest and fluids,” said Tulane Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brandon Mauldin. “Those at highest risk are individuals over 65, those who are immunosuppressed, or those with a chronic medical disease or illness. The best protection right now is hand washing, covering your cough, avoiding large groups of people, and refraining from touching your face, nose and mouth.”

Tulane Health System continues to work in close partnership with state and local health departments and the CDC and will provide updates as needed.