COVID-19 Update

Dear Highland Springs Community,

As our country and state monitor coronavirus (COVID-19), Highland Springs is committed to doing our part to protect the health and safety of our community. We are making the following changes in an effort to slow the disease’s spread and ensure smooth operations for our healthcare system.

As part of that initiative we will:

• • • Utilize Telehealth video conferencing calls between clients, prescribers, and therapists
    • Recommend that all clients that are sick or showing symptoms arrange with your care team to utilize telehealth or alternative appointment arrangements
    • Screen staff for symptoms and limit travel to affected areas or interaction with known exposure
    • Cancel or postpone all large-scale gatherings

As COVID-19 continues to grow as a public health concern in our communities, all of us have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting vulnerable populations. Please check our social media, website www.HighlandSpringsClinic.org/covid-19, the CDC, and Utah Department of Health for the latest updates and resources to keep you and your loved ones informed. We recognize our responses to COVID-19 could significantly disrupt the services we provide. We hope you understand these changes are meant to protect you, your extended family, and members of our community.

We will continue to monitor the situation and respond to daily changes in our understanding of this public health situation.

–Highland Springs Leadership

How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

The best way to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19 is by using the same daily habits that help prevent the spread of many viruses, including the common cold and the flu. To help prevent the spread of disease always:

• • • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Wash with soap and warm water for 15 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizers.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Stay home when you’re sick (and keep sick children home from school).
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What do I do if I’m sick and think I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?

It’s important to remember if you haven’t traveled to an infected region as defined by the CDC or been in close contact with someone known to have the virus, your risk of contracting COVID-2019 is very low. However, the CDC recommends if you’ve traveled to China within the last 14 days or were in close contact with someone confirmed to have the infection and begin to feel sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek medical care. Before you go to the doctor, call ahead and let them know about your travel and symptoms to limit potential exposure to others and avoid spreading the virus.

Please wear a mask in our facilities and around other people if you have a fever, are coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose, or are having difficulty breathing. Please also consider using Intermountain’s Connect Care service on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to connect with an Intermountain clinician and receive specific care recommendations.

Information about COVID-2019 is rapidly changing. For the most up-to-date news and travel advisories, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website.

What do I do if I am sick?

• • • Cover your coughs and sneezes
      Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
    • If you are sick stay home
      You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation,ride-sharing, or taxis.
    • Wash your hands often
      Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Perform routine environmental cleaning
      Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.

COVID-19 Utah Department of Health Hotline

With growing concerns over COVID-19, the Utah Department of Health has launched a new information hotline.

The Utah Coronavirus Information Line can be reached at 1-800-456-7707 where Utahns will be able to call this number and speak with trained healthcare experts with any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19. Healthcare providers may also call the line for assistance.

Numerous language translations will also be available to callers.

The hotline was made possible with a collaboration with the Utah Poison Control Center.

Additional resources about coronavirus (COVID-19)

• • Center for Disease Control – Coronavirus Disease Children (COVID-19)
  • Center for Disease Control – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • World Health Organization – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-2019)
  • CDC – About Coronaviruses
  • Utah Department of Health
  • Intermountain Healthcare – How you can prepare for COVID-19