What is COVID-19?COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new strain of a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This outbreak started in China, but has now spread to many countries, including the United States.

How does COVID-19 spread?The virus is spread from person to person through close contact and respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible to get COVID-19 through contact with a contaminated surface or object; however, this is not the main way the virus spreads.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? • Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath

When should patients call their provider? • If they have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 and have

developed symptoms. • If they have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community

spread of COVID-19.

How can we prevent COVID-19 from spreading? • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Practice good respiratory and hand hygiene: – Cover your cough and sneezes. – Wash your hands often (for at least 20 seconds) and use an alcohol-based

hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. • Stay home when you are sick • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular

household clearing spray or wipe. • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask: – Patients coming to our facilities with a cough or respiratory symptoms should

be given a mask. – People with a COVID-19 infection must wear a mask to minimize the spread

of the virus. – The CDC does not recommend people who are well wear a facemask to protect

themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

Updated March 9, 2020

COVID-19

Quick Reference Guide

WHAT TO SAY TO PATIENTSThe following scripting can be used when talking

to patients who call or present at our clinics.

COVID-19

Quick Reference Guide

If there is one or more confirmed cases:• We will notify all of our patients so they

are aware.

• Patients with the virus are either asked to stay at home or in isolated rooms in our facilities.

• As this virus spreads, the number of cases in our area will increase, and our teams are prepared to help.

• We all play a role in preventing further transmission by practicing good respiratory and hand hygiene. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

If there are no confirmed cases:• At this time, there are no confirmed cases

in our facilities. We will update patients and staff if this situation changes.

• Outbreaks of new viral infections among people are always of public health concern; however for most of us, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus is low.

• We can protect each other by practicing good respiratory and hand hygiene.

– Cover your cough and sneezes. – Wash your hands often with soap and

water (for at least 20 seconds), and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

• We are asking our staff to stay home if they are sick.

• For the safety of our community, we are being very proactive in our approach to COVID-19. We are working with our own emergency management team and local, state and federal health officials to ensure our response plan meets the needs of this rapidly changing situation.

• We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest information from credible sources like the CDC.

• If you have any symptoms, please call your Sanford Health provider before coming to the clinic or hospital. We are here to help.

WHERE TO GO FOR MORE INFORMATION: • CDC.gov

• sanfordhealth.org

• news.sanfordhealth.org

Updated March 9, 2020