Following is a compilation of UNC Health information for our providers.
With the first COVID-19 patient identified in North Carolina, we need everyone to follow the clinical strategy of Identify, Isolate, Inform and to continue to practice appropriate respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene.
- Review the steps already taken and resources (including signage) on our COVID-19 Intranet page.
- A similar resource page is available for the public at this link.
- Note, all updates related to UNC Health’s COVID-19 preparedness plans are available here.
Access Intranet Page
The UNC Health intranet page is being continuously updated. Find it by clicking on the “References” button in the top right screen of your Epic window.
Inform These Resources
For any patient needing evaluation for COVID-19, contact UNC Medical Center Infection Control and NC State Health Department.
- UNC Medical Center Infection Control Pager: 216-2935 or Phone: 984-974-7500 (x47500)
- NC State Health Department: 919-733-3419
These resources will provide specific instruction and advice on both patient management and whether to send specimen to them for testing. We do have the materials (same NP swab used for rapid flu test) to collect a specimen if that is needed. Again, you must contact one of the numbers above before proceeding with any testing.
Recommendations Based on Patient Symptoms
- If mild illness; send or keep patient home, contact health department to determine testing
- If moderate disease in the clinics, move patient to isolation room with contact precautions for diagnostic evaluation
- If serious illness requiring hospitalization, contact UNC Medical Center Infection Control on call via Pager: 216-2935 or Phone: 984-974-7500 (x47500)
- Hospitalized patients will be cared for in select COVID-19 isolation rooms in the ED and ICU by a designated group of providers, which will not include residents or students.
Isolate Patients
- Patients with symptoms of suspected 2019-nCoV or other respiratory infection (e.g., fever, cough) should be masked and isolated in a private room with the door closed.
- Healthcare personnel should also wear their PPE.
Learn PPE Sequence
- Complete this LMS module to learn correct way to don and remove personal protective equipment.
- Enter your EPIC password
- Click on the search icon (magnifying glass) and paste the following: UNCHNPPDPPEAIRB
Thank you for your support of our COVID-19 preparedness plans – UNC Health has already taken many important steps and a group of experts across UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine is meeting regularly to ensure all appropriate individuals are trained and equipped to protect patients, guests, the community, and each other if we receive a patient with COVID-19. All updates related to UNC Health’s COVID-19 preparedness plans are available here:
Resources
North Carolina Department of Human and Health Services
North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health
Journal Articles
Wu Z, McGoogan JM. Characteristics of and Important Lessons From the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in China. JAMA. February 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.2648
Del Rio C, Malani PN. COVID-19-New Insights on a Rapidly Changing Epidemic. JAMA. February 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3072