COVID 19 UPDATE

COVID 19 UPDATE
Aloha to all my patients and future patients.
At this time, it is important to minimize unnecessary excursions and interactions with other people.
In order to help with slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, I would like to recommend the following:
If you are sick, stay home.
Monitor yourself and family for fever and other symptoms of COVID -19, remember that young people are less likely to show signs of illness and are more likely to have milder symptoms. This means that this demographic is more likely to be unknowingly spreading the infection.
If you are very sick, reach out to me, or consider a trip to the Urgent Care or the ED if necessary.

FAQ’S as of 3/17/2020

1. Yes: there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Kauai
2. Yes: there is testing available on Kauai
3. No: you should not get tested “just in case” testing is limited due to limited testing kits and capacity.  
4. Circumstances under which you should be tested: 

COVID-19 Testing
Those who are ill with a fever or cough, have recently left an area having widespread community transmission of COVID-19, or have had prolonged close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home and avoid contact with others except for seeking medical care. If they need medical care, they should call ahead to their doctor’s office or an emergency room to let them know about their travel history.
Note that it is not possible for us to test for COVID-19 just because you want to be tested, or even if we think it might be helpful. There are specific circumstances when the test is allowed to be done. Please do not go to the Emergency Department simply to request a test for COVID-19. The Emergency Department is for patients who are sick and in need of emergency medical care.

Additional Information from Wilcox and Kauai Medical Clinic
(which I am applying to my own practice):
Guidance for Patients with Clinic Appointments
If you are sick but have an appointment to see a doctor for something else (like a check-up) we will need to change your visit for a time when you are feeling better. Please call us so we can make a new appointment for you.
If you’d like us to check you because you are sick, call your primary care provider. You may be able to get checked by phone, or get advice through MyChart: create an e-visit.
We are following the advice of the experts at the CDC and the Hawaii Department of Health who tell us that people who are mildly ill should stay home unless they need help for that illness.
FYI:     Visitor Restrictions
Starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 13, all HPH medical centers will implement visitor restrictions for all inpatient areas. These restrictions are the same at all 4 medical centers and include the following:

• We will allow two designated visitors per patient.
• Special exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for critically ill patients.
• If the patient is suspected or proven to have COVID-19, no visitors under 18 will be allowed.
• No visitors under the age of 12 will be allowed.
• For pediatric patients: No one under the age of 12 is allowed to visit, including siblings. 
  • Two adults (18 and older) may be parents, legal guardians or other adults designated by the parent or legal guardian.
  • No adult will be allowed to visit if they have respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough)

New Entrances for Patients and Visitors at Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Centers
With confirmed cases of COVID-19 now identified in Hawaii, we are taking measures to monitor visitors to our facilities and ensure appropriate infection control measures are followed upon entry.
Effective Tuesday, March 10, access to Wilcox Medical Center:

• Imaging/Cardiac Services entrance
• Same-Day Surgery entrance

At this time, both the front and back entrances to Kaua‘i Medical Clinic will remain open.
Prevention Tips
Stay healthier and follow the prevention tips recommended by the Hawaii Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed below to help protect yourself and our community.
For additional information, there are resources available at https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/coronavirus
Hawaii Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention