COVID Employee Update

Covid-19 Response

March 14, 2020

COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) is a rapidly evolving situation; given that, we want to keep you, our UMMS employees and medical staff, as informed as possible. We will continue to send regular updates, as necessary. We thank you in advance for your continued hard work and support of our patients, visitors and one another.

 

Telework Updates and Special Leave Policy

Temporary Enhanced Patient Safety (Visitor) Policy

  • In order to further protect the safety of our patients and staff, we have released an addendum to the temporary enhanced patient safety policy implemented on March 11. All visitors who check-in at an UMMS facility will be asked the following three questions prior to admittance:
    • Have you had a fever or do you feel sick?
    • Have you traveled outside the country within the last 14 days?
    • Have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
  • All Visitors who answer yes to any of the questions above will not be admitted to UMMS facilities.

Other UMMS COVID-19 Updates

  • The system-wide Incident Command team, led by Dr. David Marcozzi, held a webinar on March 10 highlighting the UMMS preparation and response to COVID-19. See presentation to learn more.   
  • On Thursday, March 12, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced major steps in the state of Maryland’s COVID-19 response at a press conference that featured comments from Dr. Marcozzi. Those steps included:
    • The Maryland Emergency Management Agency increased activation to its highest level.
    • Activation of the National Guard.
    • All state government raised to elevated level 2 – all non-essential employees who can telework are required to do so.
    • Public access to state buildings restricted.
    • Gatherings of more than 250 people prohibited (including sports and religious gatherings
    • All senior centers closed.
    • All state and local government buildings with more than 250 people must follow social distancing.
    • Closure of the cruise ship terminal in Baltimore.
    • Extension of expiration dates on permits including driver licenses, license plates, and professional licenses, until 30 days after end of state of emergency.
    • All hospitals advised to adopt new visitor policies to stop spread of COVID-19.
    • All prisons will suspend visits.
    • All non-essential functions of government are now managed by Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford so that Governor Hogan can focus solely on Maryland’s COVID-19 response.
    • All public schools are closed Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.
    • Measures are being developed to provide childcare for essential workers and emergency service personnel.

Infection Prevention Reminders

  • All influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infection (ARI) patients should be placed in droplet and contact precautions.
  • Ensure all staff are familiar with protocols for safe donning and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Review all local infection prevention policies, including hand hygiene and transmission-based precautions, with your teams.
  • Perform vigilant hand hygiene – wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid shaking hands, and touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially after sneezing.
  • Maintain social distances of 6 feet or more.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly with household cleaning sprays or wipes.

Resources for More Information

Thank you for your commitment to our patients and to each other. Know that our System-wide incident commanders and chiefs and the local affiliate incident commanders are working in partnership to respond to any developments and we will continue to provide timely updates as the situation warrants.

 

The UMMS COVID-19 Incident Command Team

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