CDP Healthcare System Response to Concerns about Novel Coronavirus

In response to the Novel Coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, trust that we at CDP Health Care System are working closely with the South Dakota Department of Health to take steps to prevent the virus and protect our employees, patients and visitors. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and isolation of patients when COVID-19 is suspected.

It’s important for the public to understand that COVID-19 cases range from very mild, including some with no reported symptoms, to severe. There are cases that have resulted in death. Not everyone who is exposed to this virus will experience serious or life-threatening illness, in fact, the majority of cases are mild. Older people or people of all ages with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of developing serious illness.

Not everyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 will need to be hospitalized. About 80% of patients who have COVID-19 can be treated at home. The rate of patients who experience serious complications is only slightly higher than that of seasonal flu.

Typical symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Anyone who is experiencing difficulty breathing or an extremely high temperature should seek medical help immediately.

If you feel you might have COVID-19, please phone your regular clinic — do not come in person to the clinic in order to protect staff and other patients.

When you call your clinic, health care professionals will determine if you need testing.

Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

• If you are sick, limit close contact with others as much as possible.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

For South Dakota updates and more information about how to prepare and precautions to take, visit: https://doh. sd.gov/news/Coronavirus.aspx

For national updates, visit the CDC at: https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ index.html