Schools And Hospitals Prepare For Possible Coronavirus Outbreak

As the United States braces for a possible outbreak of new coronavirus, businesses, schools and hospitals across the country making preparations to limit COVID-19’s spread in their communities.

COVID-19, the name given by the World Health Organization to coronavirus, is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. Patients with the new virus have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and include a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath.

At last count, the new virus has infected 83,000 people around the world, and 2,462 associated deaths worldwide. Approximately 79,000 cases are in China, with the remainder in spread among 50 countries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Italy has posted the highest number of COVID-19 cases outside China, at 650 and 17 deaths.

Dr. Nancy Messonnier, of the CDC, cautioned the American public to “prepare for the expectation that this might be bad,” including a possible disruption to daily life.

“It’s not so much of a question of if this will happen in this country anymore but a question of when this will happen — and how many people in this country will have severe illness,” Messonnier said.

Experts still don’t know how mild or severe community spread of COVID-19 will be, or where the new virus might pop up in the United States. Currently, 53 cases have been reported in the U.S., including a new case in Northern California not tied to travel.

Although the risk is still low in the United States, the CDC said now is the time for businesses, schools, hospitals and other institutions to begin preparing for a possible outbreak, including disruption to daily life.

OSF-Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park said it is able to accommodate isolation rooms, if necessary, but are not setting aside specific beds or treatment areas at this time.

“We’re monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and communicate daily with leadership and caregivers at all of our facilities across Illinois …” OSF spokeswoman Shelli Dankoff said. “We’re prepared to address any cases of the illness if someone comes to us for care.”

As part of regular preparedness training across OSF HealthCare’s network of 14 hospitals, caregivers in direct patent care are being educated about specific procedures and the use of personal protective equipment.

OSF OnCall 24/7 also provides telehealth services, where health care professionals can advise patients if they should immediately seek a higher level of care. Patients who don’t have access to a tablet or smart phone also call OSF HealthCare toll free at 844-673-1673 to be diagnosed and treated 24/7.

Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn is reinforcing infection prevention measures already in place including screening patients for respiratory symptoms and travel history or close contact with others who may be exposed to coronavirus disease.

“In addition, we have prepared our facilities and team members with the necessary training and supplies; have plans in place for increased patient volume; and have in recent years invested in our telemedicine capabilities, which may prove useful in providing care while preventing spread of infection” Advocate said in a written statement. “We continue to stay in close contact with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local and state health agencies and implement their recommendations and guidance.”

Evergreen Park Elementary School Dist. 124 emailed parents on Thursday asking them to review preventative actions that will help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses with their children.

“District 124 will continue to implement and be diligent with all of our cleaning practices throughout our buildings. Classrooms will be cleaned and sanitized, and staff members are reminded to promote universal precautions among students, including frequent hand washing.”

The Village of Oak Lawn and the Oak Lawn Police Department met with school officials earlier this week to provide the most current information on seasonal flu and new coronavirus. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Kiran Joshi from the Cook County Department of Public Health.

A vaccination for COVID-19 may not be available for another 18 months, however, Oak Lawn Emergency Management Services has procedures in place for a community-wide health event.

“If an infection occurs in the schools, we will deal with it at that time,” Cmmdr. Arthur Clark, of the Oak Lawn Police Department, said. “We have practiced mass dispensing. In 2009, we did a mass vaccination for H1N1 in all Oak Lawn schools.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health will make the call to close a school in the event of an outbreak, based on staff and student absences.

“If we are faced with a situation where the school needs to be closed due to a significant health event, we are prepared to implement our eLearning Plan,” said Supt. Dr. Mike Riordan, of Oak Lawn Community High School Dist. 229. “All of our students are provided Apple iPads and have access to most of their school assignments and resources, as well as the ability to communicate with their teachers from home. We could use this plan to continue our teaching and learning plans from home for a period of time.”

School districts throughout the area are also stepping up efforts to deep clean buildings, using disinfectant sprays and paper towels to wipe down high touch surfaces, such as desks, tables, counters, chairs, doorknobs, phones and computers.

“We are certainly taking all the necessary preventative measures available to limit the spread of coronavirus recommended by local, state, and federal health partners,” said Supt. Dr Paul Enderle, of Oak Lawn-Hometown Dist. 123.