Know Coronavirus

Health Alert

The health and safety of our community, patients and caregivers is our top priority. We will continue to provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

LATEST UPDATES

Last updated: April 1, 2020 at 12:25 pm.

LOCAL RESOURCES

For general COVID-19 questions you can also use the following community-based resources:

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Phone: 907-269-8000 (after hours)

Washington State Department of Health
Phone: 800-525-0127, 6 a.m.–10 p.m., 7 days a week

Lane County Public Health
Phone: 541-682-1380, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Friday

Free COVID-19 Assessments
Our partners at Zoom+Care are offering cost-free COVID-19 risk assessment via ChatCare in Oregon & Washington.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know

Novel coronavirus, COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the recently discovered coronavirus. From what health officials know now, most people who become infected with COVID-19 will not become seriously ill and will not need hospitalization. However, people who are older or have underlying medical problems are more likely to develop serious illness.

PeaceHealth’s Commitment to the Community

PeaceHealth medical centers and clinics are continuously monitoring and preparing for the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. We are working in close partnership with our respective county and state partners and adapting as information and protocols change. We have implemented a number of processes at all our hospitals and clinics, including:

  • Screening protocols to identify patients who may be at risk for COVID-19 infection.
  • Facilitating lab testing for patients who may be at risk.
  • Implementation of health department-recommended isolation processes and procedures.

Testing Information

There is currently a nationwide shortage of COVID-19 test kits and limited capacity of labs to analyze results. Testing is not currently available to the general public in our communities. At this time, PeaceHealth hospitals and clinics are only testing people for COVID-19 who fall into several high-risk categories. This includes those needing to be admitted to our hospitals, and those who are at highest risk of spreading the virus to others, including healthcare and public safety workers. We hope to be able to provide more testing in the future and will continue to reevaluate as testing capabilities increase across the nation.

Patient & Visitor Information

Please check back daily for updated requirements. Last updated: March 29, 2020 at 11:27 a.m.

Given the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we’ve instituted a number of changes at each location to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and caregivers. If you are a patient or visitor, please check your location prior to arriving to receive the most updated information.

Systemwide Changes
 

If you are experiencing fever or respiratory infection symptoms (e.g. cough), please call your healthcare provider’s office before arriving or scheduling an appointment to determine the appropriate care setting and testing process.

Temperature Checks

PeaceHealth is conducting temperature screenings for all patients, visitors and caregivers at all hospitals and clinics using non-contact thermometers. Any individual with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or above will not be allowed to enter and will be provided the appropriate instructions on seeking care.

Elective Surgeries

All elective procedures that are non-life threatening and non-urgent have been suspended until further notice.

Clinic Changes

PeaceHealth Clinics Now Accepting Telephone Visits

Get healthcare services without having to leave your home. Learn more to see if your appointment will qualify.

PeaceHealth Clinic Visitor Restrictions

No visitors are allowed in clinics except for those accompanying patients needing assistance.

 

Location-Specific Changes
 

Alaska

Emergency Department Triage

To streamline the flow of patients and help protect the health of our patients, visitors and caregivers, PeaceHealth is implementing changes in how patients enter and are screened at the emergency department. If you are coming to our ED, please follow the instructions given by caregivers.

Visitor Restrictions

No visitors allowed in the facility. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

Washington

Visitor Restrictions

No visitors allowed in the facility. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Visitor Restrictions

No visitors allowed in the facility. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Visitor Restrictions

Out of an abundance of caution we are eliminating in-person visits to our hospitalized patients, including our cafeteria, waiting rooms and meeting spaces as of Friday, March 20. This means that visitors will not be allowed within the medical center until further notice, with a few specific exemptions. Visitors who meet these exceptions will only be allowed if they are over the age of 16 and do not show symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath). These exemptions include:

  • One (1) visitor for Labor and Delivery
  • One (1) visitor for patients who are cognitively impaired
  • End-of-life patients

Procedural areas will continue to have standard work to assure we are meeting requirements for signed consent and discharge instructions.

Clinic visitation: One (1) visitor per patient for PeaceHealth Medical Group Clinics

Entrance Restrictions

Entrance remains restricted to 1st floor parking garage, Emergency Department and the west end of the 99 building. Caregivers will continue to have badge access through 2nd floor and Delaware St. entrances.

Emergency Department Triage

To streamline the flow of patients and help protect the health of our patients, visitors and caregivers, PeaceHealth is implementing changes in how patients enter and are screened at the emergency department. If you are coming to our ED, please follow the instructions given by caregivers.

Visitor Restrictions

No visitors allowed in the facility. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency Department Triage

To streamline the flow of patients and help protect the health of our patients, visitors and caregivers, PeaceHealth is implementing changes in how patients enter and are screened at the emergency department. If you are coming to our ED, please follow the instructions given by caregivers.

Visitor Restrictions

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is restricting visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health threat. This means that visitors will not be allowed within the medical center until further notice, with a few specific exemptions, starting on Saturday, March 14. We are taking this measure out of an abundance of caution and with the benefit of learnings from our partners in the Seattle area.

Exceptions to the policy generally include a guardian or support person to assist with a patient’s care, such as:

  • One (1) support person to help with mobility challenges or discharge instructions
  • One (1) designated support person for Emergency Department patients
  • Two (2) parents of a minor patient
  • Two (2) support persons, plus clergy, for end-of-life patients
  • One (1) support person for Family Birth Center.

Entrance Restrictions

Access will be restricted to the following entrances:

  • Firstenburg Tower main entry, 400 NE Mother Joseph Place
  • 92nd Ave entrance
  • 5th Street entrance
  • Emergency Department, 400 NE Mother Joseph Place
  • Family Birth Center

Donations

Supplies

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has implemented a process to collect supplies from the community for use in treating patients with COVID-19. Needed supplies include:

  • Lab testing supplies (swabs, reagent, transport media)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE; masks, gowns, face shields)
  • Sanitization supplies

If you would like to donate these supplies, please send a description and your contact information to COVID19-SWSUPPLIES@PEACEHEALTH.ORG and you will be contacted.

Cash Donations

The PeaceHealth Southwest Foundation has established a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Please consider donating to support local medical needs during this time. Donate today.

 

Oregon

Emergency Department Triage

To streamline the flow of patients and help protect the health of our patients, visitors and caregivers, PeaceHealth is implementing changes in how patients enter and are screened at the emergency department. If you are coming to our ED, please follow the instructions provided by our caregivers.

Visitor Restrictions

PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center is restricting visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health threat. This means that visitors will not be allowed within the medical center until further notice, with a few specific exemptions, starting on Wednesday, March 18. We are taking this measure out of an abundance of caution and with the benefit of learnings from our partners in the Seattle area. We encourage loved ones to stay connected to patients through the use of technology, such as cell phones, tablets and other devices.

Exceptions to the policy include:

  • Legal guardian
  • One friend or family member who must accompany a patient to a procedure when facility staff are unable to provide that service
  • Two friends or family members visiting during end-of-life stages

Emergency Department Triage

To streamline the flow of patients and help protect the health of our patients, visitors and caregivers, PeaceHealth is implementing changes in how patients enter and are screened at the emergency department. If you are coming to our ED, please follow the instructions provided by our caregivers.

Visitor Restrictions

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District is restricting visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health threat. This means that visitors will not be allowed within the medical center until further notice, with a few specific exemptions, starting on Wednesday, March 18. We are taking this measure out of an abundance of caution and with the benefit of learnings from our partners in the Seattle area. We encourage loved ones to stay connected to patients through the use of technology, such as cell phones, tablets and other devices.

Exceptions to the policy include:

  • Legal guardian
  • One friend or family member who must accompany a patient to a procedure when facility staff are unable to provide that service
  • Two friends or family members visiting during end-of-life stages

Emergency Department Triage

To streamline the flow of patients and help protect the health of our patients, visitors and caregivers, PeaceHealth is implementing changes in how patients enter and are screened at the emergency department. If you are coming to our ED, please follow the instructions provided by our caregivers.

Visitor Restrictions

PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center is restricting visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health threat. This means that visitors will not be allowed within the medical center until further notice, with a few specific exemptions, starting on Wednesday, March 18. We are taking this measure out of an abundance of caution and with the benefit of learnings from our partners in the Seattle area. We encourage loved ones to stay connected to patients through the use of technology, such as cell phones, tablets and other devices.

  • Legal guardian
  • One friend or family member who must accompany a patient to a procedure when facility staff are unable to provide that service
  • Two friends or family members visiting during end-of-life stages
  • A spouse, spousal equivalent or other support person to accompany an individual giving birth (up to two)

Emergency Department Triage

To streamline the flow of patients and help protect the health of our patients, visitors and caregivers, PeaceHealth is implementing changes in how patients enter and are screened at the emergency department. If you are coming to our ED, please follow the instructions provided by our caregivers.

Visitor Restrictions

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend is restricting visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health threat. This means that visitors will not be allowed within the medical center until further notice, with a few specific exemptions, starting on Wednesday, March 18. We are taking this measure out of an abundance of caution and with the benefit of learnings from our partners in the Seattle area. We encourage loved ones to stay connected to patients through the use of technology, such as cell phones, tablets and other devices.

Exceptions to the policy include:

  • Legal guardian
  • One friend or family member who must accompany a patient to a procedure when facility staff are unable to provide that service
  • Two friends or family members visiting during end-of-life stages
  • A spouse, spousal equivalent or other support person to accompany an individual giving birth (up to two)

Symptoms & Prevention

Symptoms of COVID-19

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, most people with COVID-19 have reported mild symptoms. Symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.*

Coronavirus symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions — like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example — seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

Here is some additional information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you suspect you may be sick with COVID-19:

*This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Others

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Donation Information

We are overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of support we have seen from our communities. On behalf of our 16,000 caregivers, thank you for your compassion and support of PeaceHealth’s healing Mission.

As of today, PeaceHealth is appropriately stocked with protective equipment and supplies for our caregivers. However, PeaceHealth joins hospitals around the globe in concerns for supplies during a time of international shortage. Please find your location listed below for specific information on how you can help donate supplies.

We are also grateful for the offers of financial support during these unprecedented times. We have established COVID-19 emergency response funds for each of our communities. Every dollar given will stay within the local community of the donor’s choosing. Click the button below, if you are interested in contributing to these critical efforts.

Donate Now


Community Specific Donations:

Alaska

Supply donations:

PeaceHealth Ketchikan has implemented a process to collect supplies from the community for use in treating patients with COVID-19. Needed supplies include:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • PPE gear such as masks (N95 or handsewn)
  • Surgical or Isolation Gowns (packaged)
  • Eye Protection
  • Facemasks
  • Hair and Boot Covers

If you would like to donate these supplies, you can bring them to the main hospital doors at the circle drive entry between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (3100 Tongass Avenue). Hand sewn masks may be dropped at the Foundation office in a tote bag near the front door. (Grey modular building on the hospital campus in the gravel parking lot at the foot of Carlanna Avenue.) Those with questions may contact eunion-jakubek@peacehealth.org.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to give a gift to our PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, please click here.
 

Washington

Supply donations:

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center has joined forces with the Whatcom Unified Command Donations Branch, and we are directing all donations and handmade equipment offers to Whatcom Unified Command for distribution to the healthcare and social organizations in Whatcom County. Please visit this webpage for more item and drop off site information.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to give a gift to our PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, please click here.

Supply donations:

Please contact Dana Van Every via email at DVanEvery@peacehealth.org to inquire about needs and/or to arrange a drop-off time to accept your donation(s).

Supply donations:

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center has implemented a process to collect supplies from the community for use in treating patients with COVID-19. Needed supplies include:

  • Lab testing supplies (swabs, reagent, transport media)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE; masks, gowns, face shields)
  • Sanitization supplies

If you would like to donate these supplies, please send a description and your contact information to cbarr@peacehealth.org and you will be contacted.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to support the front-line caregivers, patients and the needs of PeaceHealth St. John, the Foundation has established a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Thank you for being our partner in a healthier future. Donate today.

Please contact Ana Lamb, volunteer coordinator, at ALamb@peacehealth.org or Barb Kaufman at Bkaufman@peacehealth.org to inquire about needs and/or to arrange a drop-off time to accept your donation(s).

Donations

Supplies

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has implemented a process to collect supplies from the community for use in treating patients with COVID-19. Needed supplies include:

  • Lab testing supplies (swabs, reagent, transport media)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE; masks, gowns, face shields)
  • Sanitization supplies

If you would like to donate these supplies, please send a description and your contact information to RSSW-COVID19-SWSUPPLIES@PEACEHEALTH.ORG and you will be contacted.

Hand-sewn face masks
There has been an outpouring of support to sew face masks, should they be needed during this public health crisis. Here is a PDF of a mask pattern we recommend you follow. Additional questions and options for drop-off can be sent to COVID-19SWSUPPLIES@PEACEHEALTH.ORG.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to give a gift to our PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, please click here.

 

Oregon

Supply donations:

PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center is accepting items to help keep caregivers, providers and patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Needed supplies include:

  • Personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, face shields, masks)
  • Sanitization supplies
  • Hand-sewn masks

Please call Teresa Cowan at 541-942-1185, ext. 2, to make an appointment to drop off items at Cottage Grove Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to give a gift to our PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, please click here.

Supply donations:

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center is accepting items to help keep caregivers, providers and patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Needed supplies include:

  • Personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, face shields, masks)
  • Sanitization supplies
  • Hand-sewn masks

Drop off items at the RiverBend Annex, 123 International Way, Springfield, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions, please contact DonationsOR@peacehealth.org, or call 541-222-7100.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to give a gift to our PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, please click here.

Supply donations:

County Dropoff

Partners in the West Lane Emergency Operations Group (WLEOG), including PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center and the City of Florence are working together to accept items to keep caregivers, providers, and patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drop off items at the City of Florence Public Works, 2675 Kingwood St., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For questions, please email donations@westlaneeoc.org.

Hospital Dropoff

In addition, beginning on Monday, April 6, community members may drop off items directly at the hospital on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., in the west parking lot across from the hospital entrance. Needed supplies include:

  • Personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, face shields, masks)
  • Sanitization supplies
  • Hand-sewn masks

For more information, contact Vanessa Buss at vbuss@peacehealth.org.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to give a gift to our PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, please click here.

Supply donations:

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center is accepting items to help keep caregivers, providers and patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Needed supplies include:

  • Personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, face shields, masks)
  • Sanitization supplies
  • Hand-sewn masks

Drop off items at the RiverBend Annex, 123 International Way, Springfield, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions, please contact DonationsOR@peacehealth.org, or call 541-222-7100.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund:

We are very grateful for all the offers of support during this unprecedented time of response to COVID-19. If you would like to give a gift to our PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Novel coronavirus, COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. It is important to keep in mind that many people with these symptoms will have a viral respiratory illness such as a common cold or flu, and not the novel coronavirus causing this illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. The risk for severe disease increases steadily with age above 50 with people over 80 having the highest risk. Children and young adults tend to have milder forms of the illness.

If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.

There is testing available for the virus but it is currently limited. We are following national and regional guidelines to identify those patients who may benefit from testing. The testing does not change what medical care a patient receives but can help us limit the spread of the virus.

There is no specific medication used for treatment of this illness. Most people will recover at home with rest and plenty of fluids. If you or someone you know begins having more worrisome symptoms such as shortness of breath, severe fatigue or confusion, please call your primary care provider’s office. If you’re having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well awear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

If you are experiencing fever or respiratory infection symptoms (i.e. cough), please call your healthcare provider’s office before arriving or scheduling an appointment to determine the appropriate care setting and testing process.

Resources

 

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