A Message for Our Patients Regarding Coronavirus

A Message for Our Patients Regarding Coronavirus
03/09/2020

To our Valued Patient,

We understand that many people are anxious about the spread of coronavirus in our community and across the globe. With so much being reported, we feel that it is important to continue to provide you with an update on the current situation as well as provide you with information on how to protect yourself.

The coronavirus is thought to spread primarily person-to-person, within six feet, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. They include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell. We are asking individuals who may have these symptoms to call the Coronavirus Hotline prior to going to the Emergency Department in an effort to reduce the risk of potential exposure to others. The hotline number is 914-681-2900 and is staffed 24/7 by clinicians at White Plains Hospital. Please note, our physician practices are not able to test for coronavirus. If you have other health ailments that need care, please call your physician directly. For the most up to date information on coronavirus please visit NYS Department of Health website at health.ny.gov.

We recognize that the threat of coronavirus may be unnerving; however, the vast majority of individuals who contract coronavirus deal with symptoms similar to a bad cold or flu and recover at home. Those who are most at risk of serious illness include the elderly and those with a pre-existing medical condition. The best way to prevent coronavirus is to stay away from people you know are sick, or who are under investigation for the virus. You can also protect yourself by washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Try to refrain from touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

As healthcare providers, the health and safety of our community is our number one priority and we are taking every measure to try to protect our community. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation develops.

Update: March 13, 2020: Emergency Department is now requiring all patients to visit the tent outside the ED to be screened prior to entering the Hospital. Once screened, they will be directed to the right location to care for their needs.

Update: March 13, 2020: To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, WPH implemented temperature screening of all staff entering the Hospital and outpatient facilities.

Update: March 18, 2020: WP Hospital Medical & Wellness Urgent Care is now temporarily closed. For non-urgent needs, we ask that patients please call their primary care physician. In cases of emergency, please dial 911.