Cautious optimism with today’s numbers of COVID-19 patients being treated at The University of Kansas Health System. 20 patients are being treated for the virus, down from 26 yesterday. 10 of those patients are in the ICU, down from 11 yesterday. So far 105 patients treated for COVID-19 have been released. The doctors say everything we’ve been doing to stem the tide of the disease is working as the numbers appear to reflect the new normal.
Joining the conversation were David Wild, MD, VP of Performance Improvement at The University of Kansas Health System and Terry Tsue, MD, VP Clinical Services & Physician in Chief, The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Dr. Wild says there is still concern about what happens when society reopens. He says each community will have its own curve, but it appears the curve in our area has been bent, and hospitals have not been overwhelmed. He stresses that could change if people don’t take personal responsibility. He adds that COVID-19 will be with us for some time, and public events will be different, but for now he says all the signals are positive.
Dr. Tsue says cancer patients can have twice the risk of infection as the general population, but they are safer than ever getting their treatment because of the precautions and safeguards in place. He also says cancer surgeries are continuing, and mammograms, radiation and other diagnostics will be resuming. He stressed not to put off seeking cancer treatment and to stay in close touch with your doctor, even by telehealth visits.
Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System addressed the question of whether it’s safe to hang out with friends if you’re six feet apart and wearing a mask…and whether masks in general are really necessary. He also talked about how long the virus can live on outside surfaces. He also answered a question regarding how to know when it’s safe to visit family members in rural communities.
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the health system, says while the steady numbers are encouraging, the biggest fear of the medical community is reopening society too soon. He says until there is widespread community testing, a vaccine and a treatment there will always be the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases, and then society will have to close again. He says it appears we’ve bent the curve, and the current numbers will be the new normal for a while. He added that the hospital and the doctor’s offices are safer than ever because of constant vigilance by the staff.
Thursday, April 30 at 8:00 a.m. is the next daily briefing call. The topic of whether it’s safe to have surgery will be discussed. Joining the panel will be Sean Kumer, MD, Physician VP Perioperative and Procedural Services to explain which procedures and surgeries will be scheduled for when stay-at-home orders lift and why, plus how we are going to keep people safe.
ATTENTION media members-New procedure for calling in:
The meeting is now available by Zoom, both video and by phone. To join the Zoom Meeting by video, click https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone dial-in Participants:
Call Zoom audio, 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID: 782 897 8628.
The feed is also available via TVU grid. The TVU source is UoK_Health and is being made available to all.
Feel free to send questions in advance to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
