Dr. Suntha: UMMS 1st Confirmed COVID-19 Patient
March 08, 2020
UMMS Colleagues:
Today, the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) has its first confirmed patient with COVID-19.
The patient was appropriately screened and handled – in following the protocols and guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health – and after testing positive continues to be appropriately treated in isolation at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, until such time that clinical guidelines indicate that they are able to be released from our care. Out of respect for patient privacy, no further information will be released at this time.
We began preparing for this day as soon as we heard about the first cases in China. Our recently activated System-wide Incident Command Structure (ICS), led by Dr. David Marcozzi, is driving our readiness and response efforts in collaboration with each hospital’s ICS team. This focused approach has prepared us to treat any patients suspected of being exposed to COVID-19 as well as confirmed cases.
Across the System, we are taking additional steps to prevent further infection and ensure all of our clinical teams are equipped to safely and effectively care for patients during this time, including:
- Securing additional on-site tests for COVID-19
- Ensuring supplies of appropriate personal protective equipment are available
- Establishing safe treatment sites at each UMMS acute care facility
- Implementing a stricter visitor policy
- Restricting travel and enforcing employee screening
Thank you for your continued dedication and professionalism. We are prepared and ready, and I know you’ll continue to provide the best patient care possible. Get the latest information on our readiness and response by going to our COVID-19 Response site on the UMMS Insider.
Sincerely,
Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA
President and Chief Executive Officer
University of Maryland Medical System
The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Professor of Radiation Oncology
University of Maryland School of Medicine