Doctors at The University of Kansas Health System told reporters the hospital is currently treating 23 patients for COVID-19. Ten of those 23 patients are on ventilators. All are on a unit dedicated to COVID-19 and away from other patients.
Doctors to continue to talk with other health care professionals within the region and as far away as Wuhan, China, to share best practices for COVID-19 patients. Click on the video below for the full news briefing.
- Tammy Peterman, executive vice president, chief operating officer, chief nursing officer of the Health System and president of the Kansas City division told reporters how grateful we are that about 70 area groups and individuals have stepped forward to help the health system with everything from catering to donated supplies and money.
- Dana Hawkinson, MD, Medical Director Infection Prevention and Control infectious diseases says proper hand hygiene and keeping your hands away from your face continue to be the most effective way to stop the spread of the disease. He has also personally seen many people breaking the social distancing rule, especially groups of friends. He says it’s OK to be within six feet of family members, but not other people.
- Steve Stites, MD, Chief Medical Officer at the health system shared a personal story about his adult son, who has a sore throat, and isn’t sure if it’s just allergies or the onset of the disease. He also says it’s best to use face masks for medical professionals and patients. He says if you don’t know how to use one, you could be using it improperly and put yourself at greater risk.
Tuesday, March 31, at 8:00 a.m. is the next daily briefing call with media. One topic will be the status of COVID-19 tests, and a new faster test that’s on the way. The feed is now available via TVU grid. The TVU source is UoK_Health and is being made available to all. You will still need to call-in to ask questions.
Telephone dial-in Participants:
Dial: 1-913-588-2222, and enter 50041981# when prompted for the Call ID.
