Update: March 13, 2020
Updated 4:30 p.m., 3/13/20
In his press conference this afternoon, Governor Edwards:
- Announced there are 36 presumptive COVID-19 cases statewide. There are no cases in Tangipahoa Parish.
- Cancelled all K-12 schools, with classes tentatively resuming April 13, 2020. Two- and four-year institutes of higher learning are transitioning to online options. Check with the specific schools for more information.
- Cancelled all events with 250 or more people through April 13, 2020.
- Postponed elections scheduled for April/May to June/July.
- Asked that everyone reduce face-to-face contact when possible.
Locally, the following events have been postponed:
- Strawberry Festival
- Oyster Festival
- French Quarter Festival
North Oaks onsite classes for employees will continue as scheduled.
At North Oaks, we are conducting business as usual. Our Rules of Conduct and attendance policy are still in force.
With the closure of schools we are working on options for child care.
- If you have a high school or college student who would be willing to provide child care for a North Oaks employee, please contact Ronda Tierney at (985) 230-6770. She will put together a database of willing helpers.
- If you have a NEED for child care, please contact Ronda Tierney at (985) 230-6770, and she will provide contact information from the aforementioned database so you can interview potential candidates and make arrangements.
To access the latest information for employees when you are off campus, please use our Employee Portal at www.northoaks.org/COVID19updates.
- The Employee Information Line is active at (985) 230-NEWS
- The Public News Line is active at (985) 230-INFO.
Updated 10:00 a.m., 3/13/20
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New visitor control policy has been enacted and is going well.
- NOMC: From 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., all visitors will enter through the Main Entrance by the flag pole. After 7 p.m. and on weekends, visitors will enter through ED.
- NORH: From 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., all visitors will enter through their Main Entrance. There are no visitors allowed after 7 p.m.
- At NOMC we are allowing one overnight guest if it’s in the best interest of the patient. Direct questions to unit supervisor, charge nurse or house supervisor.
- Patients who are critically ill or near end of life will be allowed more visitors. Nursing will direct. If there are questions Monday – Friday, call Administration at x.6605; on weekends, call House Supervisor at .x6388.
- Directional signage is up – please let us know how it’s working. We may need to tweak to optimize.
- Clinics report that patient masking is going well. Everyone is being very cooperative.
- Infection Prevention reports that clinic employees should wear gloves, isolation masks and goggles when working with patients who have fever or respiratory issues. Nursing should use appropriate PPE and universal precautions. Adhere to handwashing protocol.
- Staffing – staffing levels are GREAT! Thanks to everyone for their support.
- Population health: Drive through testing starts today from 1-5 p.m. The testing algorithm is being used and working well. Telehealth is already performing virtual visits.
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COVID-19 testing is only offered at the NOMC drive through location outside
the Woman’s Pavilion. We have four evaluation sites (Walk-in clinics
and Hammond Family Medicine) that may do flu testing and evaluate patients
with respiratory ailments, but the COVID test is only available through
the drive through with a physician order and an appointment.
- If a patient arrives at a North Oaks facility asking for a COVID-19 test, tell them that a doctor’s order is required.
- If they have an order, remember that an appointment is needed, and the only location for testing is at the drive through location. Take the order from them, step aside and call (985)230-2819, which is our INTERNAL hotline. The population health staff there will evaluate the situation and connect you to scheduling if appropriate.
- Patients with questions about COVID-19 should call our appointment line: (985) 230-2778. The team is equipped to handle questions about COVID-19 and refer as necessary. This number is staffed Monday through Friday. We are working to roll that line to PBX after hours and educating PBX staff on how to respond to questions.
- There is misinformation on Facebook. We have no patients who have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 at this time. We will update all staff should this change.
- We are good on supplies.
- It was clarified that all conferences are canceled, even ones being held locally.
- CMO Update: Dr. Peltier has a big THANK YOU for everyone for their cooperation. Docs are working together to share best practices for both inpatient and outpatient care of COVID-19 patients and updating everyone as recommendations change. Dr. Newman seems to be everywhere at the same time. Awesome response from everyone.