The 2019-nCoV (“novel” coronavirus) emerged as an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China. In humans, it can cause a mild respiratory infection, or a more severe illness progressing to pneumonia. Spread outside of China has been slowed by aggressive travel restrictions and quarantine measures.
The Infection Control Department at YNHHS is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak in China and has created guidance and additional resources to help us care for those who have reasons to suspect coronavirus.
Despite the attention needed to prevent outbreaks in Connecticut, the clear and present health risk is influenza as our hospitals struggle with high numbers of cases.
Travel screening in all outpatient NEMG practices started Feb. 5, 2020. Additionally, signage and Televox reminders recommend that patients who have been in China within the past month call before arriving to any office. Clinicians should offer telephone or outreach and consult with Department of Public Health (DPH) before bringing a possible case into our office or any medical site. Those with respiratory infections, in the absence of travel history, should seek care as usual.
For more information about the 2019 novel coronavirus, visit either the YNHHS Infection Prevention website or the CDC website. You will find answers to frequently asked questions for clinicians and staff, educational material and updates. Questions about specific patients should be directed to the DPH when the patient is in an outpatient office and to Infection Control when the patient is at a hospital site.
Please call the Department of Health for guidance and/or testing approval. CT: 860-509-7994, after hours 860-509-8000; RI: 401-222-2577; NY: 914-813-5159, after hours 914-813-5000.
