State Stats: Louisiana has 79,827 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,315
deaths; 1,308 patients are hospitalized and 147 are on vents. Both bed
utilization and vent utilization is on the rise statewide.
The Governor has instituted mandatory masking requirements statewide. Please
take this seriously and set a good example both in the hospital and out
in the public by masking up. There is a small group of legislators who
are fighting the Governor’s mandate and believe masks are not effective.
That is not true. University of Washington models show that we could prevent
560 COVID deaths in Louisiana by October 1st by adhering to the universal
masking mandate. Check out the model at https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/louisiana.
Help us by providing this factual data to family and friends.
Visitors are REQUIRED to remain masked while in the hospital – even
in patient rooms. Provide one warning – if they do not comply, they
will be asked to leave the facility. Contact your nurse supervisor if
you need back-up.
North Oaks Stats: Today we have 27 positive patients in-house, and three
COVID-19 patients on vents. We have successfully recovered 269 COVID patients,
and since the weekend have lost three COVID patients: two nursing home
patients and one 91-year-old on comfort measures.
Hood has 20 patients today, with three COVID-19 positive patients and one
employee out monitoring symptoms.
NORH has 20 patients today, with one COVID-19 positive patient.
Employee Wellness reports that 77 employees are home monitoring symptoms
today – a record high; 16 are RNs. We returned 6 to work yesterday.
A reminder – if you are exhibiting ANY symptoms of COVID, please
call employee wellness to be triaged.
Staffing is getting tight, especially in clinic areas.
Please call Employee Wellness if you have symptoms and they will triage
you and help you arrange for testing, if needed.
Testing is recommended only if you are symptomatic, not if you have been
exposed to someone with COVID. Remember: North Oaks policy requires that
If you get tested (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), you must stay
home to monitor symptoms until you receive test results – and test
turn-around-time can be 7 days or longer.
If you have any questions or concerns, call Employee Wellness.
Jeff reviewed information sent to all employees this week regarding a Louisiana
program awarding $250 rebates to eligible healthcare workers. The rebate
program has limited funding; therefore, eligible workers are encouraged
to apply as soon as possible using the online application portal at FrontlineWorkers.la.gov.
Additionally, Mass Mutual is offering free life insurance for qualified
front line workers aged 18-60, who are US citizens working at least 10
hours/month in a facility that tests, treats or assists COVID patients.
This is not a North Oaks program – ANY health care worker may apply,
so please feel free to share this information. There is no limit on the
number of people who will receive the benefit, and the coverage lasts
3 years. See details attached.
Volume trends:
ODC volume is steady at about 300 patients/day.
The drive-through testing station performed 60 tests Wednesday. We have
performed 6,909 tests with 1,167 positive and 334 results pending.
It is vitally important that we remain vigilant with safety practices:
DAILY TEMPERATURE CHECKS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
Masks are mandatory in all our facilities, and must be worn appropriately.
Both the nose and the mouth must remain covered.
Follow hand hygiene protocol – wash hands for 20 seconds/use hand
sanitizer frequently throughout the day.
Eating/drinking in public areas (nurses stations, reception desks) is not
appropriate, because masks must be worn at ALL TIMES in areas where people
interact. Masks may be removed if you are alone in a private office with
the door closed.
No more than 3 people are allowed in a break room at one time. Masks may
be removed only if actively eating or drinking.
Wipe down high-touch surfaces frequently throughout the day – both
at work and at home.
Maintain 6 feet distance when in line in the cafeteria or at PJs.
Supplies are adequate on most fronts; however, gloves remain a concern
– so please use what you need, but don’t waste.
Be sure to turn in your COVID-19 time sheets. Our update calls qualify
as COVID-19 hours.
Let’s be careful out there and watch those low water crossings with
all this rain. Remember to “turn around – don’t drown!”
