Contents
Cases of COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) are being seen more frequently in the United States, so it is important to learn about caring for individuals who may be ill with or have been exposed to COVID-19.
What do I do if someone requests an appointment because they think they have or have been exposed to COVID-19?
- Triage people by phone before having them come into the facility for an appointment.
- Use the “Evaluating Persons with Fever and Acute Respiratory Illness” form to screen individuals.
What if a patient comes to the facility concerned they have or have been exposed to COVID-19?
- Ensure the patient puts on a mask to cover their nose and mouth
- Provide the patient with an alcohol-based sanitizer for their hands
- Isolate the patient in a private room
- If they must sit in the waiting room, ensure they are at least 6 feet away from others
- If a private room is used, do not reuse room until instructed by your local health jurisdiction
- Place patient in an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) if available
- Wash hands before putting on gloves
- Wear a fluid-resistant gown
- Wear a NIOSH-approved and fit-tested N95 mask or a Controlled Air Purifying Respirator (CAPR)/Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
- Wear eye protection
- Limit the number of staff entering and exiting the room and document each member of staff who has contact with the patient
Notify your local health jurisdiction (LHJ) immediately. If the LHJ is not available, call your state department of health.
Reference
Guidance for Tribal and Urban Indian Healthcare Providers: Caring for Individuals Who May be Ill With or May Have Been Exposed To COVID-19, Guidance for Tribal and Urban Indian Healthcare Providers: Caring for Individuals Who May be Ill With or May Have Been Exposed To COVID-19 (n.d.).
