CalvertHealth Medical Group Restricts Visitation

At CalvertHealth Medical Group, our top priority is the health and well-being of our patients, employees and the community that we serve. As we continue to take proactive measures and monitor the emerging situation with Coronavirus or COVID-19, CalvertHealth Medical Group is not permitting visitors to the practices. This is done with an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of all our patients, healthcare workers and our partners that assist in the delivery of care today and in the future.

The new restrictions are effective until further notice. Few exceptions include:

• Patients under 18 years of age who require a parent/legal guardian will be permitted (1) one support person
• Oncology patients who require assistance will be permitted (1) support person

CalvertHealth Medical Group acknowledges that this policy may cause some inconvenience for many patients and their family members; however, patient safety and the overall health of the community is the health system’s primary concern.

To support this effort, all visitors will be screened upon arrival. Visitors with a fever or cough will not be permitted.

COVID-19 Primary Care Scheduling Appointments Notice

CalvertHealth is taking the appropriate steps to protect the safety of our patients, community and caregivers. For your convenience, telemedicine visits are now being offered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.. If you are experiencing a fever or symptoms of respiratory infection, such as cough or difficulty breathing, or had exposure to a COVID-19 patient, please contact our office at 410.414.2778 so we can assist you with recommendations and arrange a virtual visit or in-office appointment, if indicated. Visitor restrictions are in place and entrance to primary care offices is unavailable after 1 p.m. Please do not come to the office for any reason without calling ahead. After clinic hours, please call the on-call provider or call ahead to urgent care before visiting.

Resources and Frequently Asked Questions

I am feeling sick, should I still keep my appointment?

There is notable person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Experts estimate that the majority of people who get this virus may have mild symptoms. But it can be quite severe for members of our community with underlying health conditions.

For this reason, CalvertHealth asks that if you have any respiratory symptoms – such as a cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or fever – that you please cancel or postpone your specialist appointment unless it is medically necessary. We understand that you may have planned for this appointment, so we will make it a priority to reschedule your appointment when you are feeling better.

Staying home while sick is one of the most important things you can do to help during this time. All of us have to work together to reduce the chance of transmission of this (or other) respiratory viruses.

If you have respiratory symptoms, please call your primary care provider’s office to be evaluated. If you have traveled recently to China, Italy, Japan, Iran or South Korea, or think you may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please call the Calvert County Health Department (or the county health department for the area in which you reside).

What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 and what are the symptoms?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person-to-person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has now been detected in more than 50 countries.

COVID-19 has similar symptoms to the flu, which include coughing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing.

This is an emerging and evolving situation. For the most updated guidance, symptoms and information, visit the CDC website.

How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with each other (within six feet) through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, there have not been documented cases of transmission of COVID-19 from surfaces contaminated with the virus. However, the CDC recommends cleaning visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection to help prevent COVID-19 and other viruses in homes and community settings.

Are symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults, though children who have tested positive have generally exhibited milder symptoms. The CDC says it’s unknown whether children with underlying medical conditions and special health care needs might be at higher risk, however.

What are the policies for visiting family and friends in the hospital who are being treated for COVID-19?

To further minimize community spread of COVID-19, CalvertHealth Medical Center IS NOT permitting visitors for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, or those under investigation.

I am scheduled for a surgery or procedure at CalvertHealth Medical Center – should I reschedule my appointment?

As of March 16, 2020, we started limiting surgeries and procedures to emergencies or urgent or medically necessary cases only. This measure is in effect until further notice. Patients have all been contacted directly.

Why was my health, wellness, education class or support group cancelled?

For the health and safety of all of our community, we have cancelled all non-mandatory education classes and support groups. Our Community Wellness Department is working on communications to keep you up-to-date and on track from home! If you would like to be included, call 410.535.8233.

What if I think I have symptoms of COVID-19 and want testing?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 – with or without recent travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy or Iran – please call your health care provider to see if further screening is necessary before you arrive at one of our locations. Testing can now be done in physician offices. By calling in advance, your provider can take your health history over the phone and, if needed, work with the appropriate state officials to determine if you require testing. In most cases, outpatient management with self-isolation at home is the best way to manage COVID-19 symptoms.

When should I go to the Emergency Department for COVID-19 related symptoms?

Only patients with fever, cough or shortness of breath and symptoms such as rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, high or very low temperatures, confusion, trouble breathing or severe dehydration should seek medical care in the ED. Call ahead to tell the ED that you are coming so we can be prepared for your arrival.

If I am a high-risk individual, how should I protect myself?

In order to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19, we recommend taking several precautions. Many people are at a higher risk of getting very sick from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), including older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.

Individuals with these conditions may be especially vulnerable to the virus:

• Cardiomyopathy
• COPD
• Hematologic diseases (multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelofibrosis and others)
• HIV/AIDS

Individuals may also be at risk if they are:

• Chronic steroid users (i.e., prednisone, etc.)
• Transplant patients
• Patients on immunobiologics (for inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatologic diseases, psoriasis, and more)
• Patients with cancer on chemotherapy

If I am a high-risk individual, how should I protect myself?

In order to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19, we recommend taking the following precautions:

• Practice social distancing and remain in your home
• Consider working from home, if you are able
• Arrange to have your groceries delivered
• Stock up on necessities, including medicine
• Avoid crowds as much as you can
• Keep away from others who are sick
• Wash your hands frequently

Is it safe for me to deliver my baby at CalvertHealth Medical Center?

Yes, our visitor restrictions are in place for the safety of patients, visitors and staff, including parents-to-be and their growing families. We continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the Department of Health.

For your convenience, CalvertHealth Medical Center is offering a FREE online childbirth class for expectant mothers.

You can register through this link: www2.customizedinc.com/childbirtheducation

Once a patient has registered, they will receive an email invitation from noreply@yomingo.com. Please check your junk folder if you do not receive the email in your inbox. This program will only be available through May 31st.

Can COVID-19 be passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus or newborn?

It is unknown if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her baby through pregnancy and delivery. According to the CDC, no infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus.

It is important to understand that, so far, COVID-19 has not been detected in either amniotic fluid or breast milk. However, it is too early to determine long-term effects on infants born to women who had COVID-19 during their pregnancy.

How is CalvertHealth prepared for COVID-19 in our community?

CalvertHealth stands ready to care for patients with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. Our clinical teams have been trained on how to identify, isolate and care for patients with this and other contagious illnesses. We have protocols and systems in place to keep patients, visitors and healthcare workers safe, and we work closely with the CDC and local and state departments of health to implement their guidance into our established protocols.

Are there any people with COVID-19 in our community?

Yes, there are confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland and Calvert County (as well as surrounding counties). Please check with the Maryland State Department of Health and your local department of health for the latest information and alerts.

How do I keep myself and my family safe?

Our legislative leaders have asked that we perform social distancing to help slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, the CDC released a step-by-step guide about how households should handle a potential outbreak of coronavirus in their community.

The CDC also recommends the below everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The CDC does not recommend that healthy people wear a mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be worn by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others, or for health care workers who are taking care of someone in a close setting.

Should I be wearing a mask?

The CDC does not recommend that healthy people wear a mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be worn by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others, or for health care workers who are taking care of someone in a close setting.

Learn more about how and when to use medical masks from the Journal of the American Medical Association:

I would like to make homemade masks for our healthcare workers. How should I go about this?

CalvertHealth Medical center is thankful and grateful that our community wants to support our healthcare workers in this way. Please contact Susan Stevens, Director of Patient, Family & Volunteer Services for more information on patterns, materials and coordination of drop-off.

Susan Stevens
410.414.4523
susan.stevens@calverthealthmed.org

If I do come to the medical center, where should I park?

Please see below for a map of the parking lot. Areas highlighted in RED have been reserved for our patients. The BLUE areas indicate patient handicap parking.