Methodist Media Statement Coronavirus (COVID-19) Patient

We can confirm that a 36-year-old female patient at Methodist Hospital tested Positive for Novel Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) which causes the disease COVID-19 on March 6.

The patient presented to the Methodist Women’s Hospital Emergency Department and after reviewing her symptoms, recent travel and condition, the medical staff (including an infectious disease physician) determined that the patient
would be admitted to Methodist Hospital.

That patient was cared for in negative airflow environment an isolation with proper personal protective equipment at Methodist Hospital before being transported to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit in a special self-contained protective setting at the Nebraska Medical Center for further care in the early evening of March 6.

All the proper protocols and procedures were followed – with patient and staff safety being the highest priority – once the individual was suspected of being a potential COVID-19 case.

We are fully cooperating with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to properly identify employees and others who may have had exposure prior to the patient being placed in isolation.

As of today, we have identified 30+ employees, who at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and state health officials, will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, and will be asked to monitor symptoms and provide updates twice daily to DHHS.

We are also taking increased precautions at our points of entry at our hospitals and clinics, asking all incoming patients who may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms to don a mask. Visitors are asked to avoid coming to the hospital if they have any cold or flu-like symptoms.

We want to assure the public that upon arrival to Methodist Hospital and until her departure, all necessary precautions were taken. Our hospitals remain a safe place for patient care.

Along with national and local experts, we concur that the presence of one case in the community suggests the possibility that more will be diagnosed. We urge you to do the following:

• Practice good hand hygiene, including frequent and thorough handwashing and proper use of hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth
• Make sure you have all needed medications and supplies on hand, as if you were preparing for a severe snowstorm

If you have significant symptoms, call prior to coming into your health professionals office so they can inform you of the safest protocol to be assessed.

We want to thank our partners at Nebraska Medicine, Douglas County Health Department and the State of Nebraska for their support and assistance in the handling of this situation. We also want to thank our staff for their response and the excellent care provided.