Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest updates and how to get care. MENU Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources Vista en español Guidance, information, and updates At Catholic Health Initiatives challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic only reinforce our commitment to caring for all. The safety of our visitors, patients, communities, employees, and physicians remains our highest priority. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated masking guidance for vaccinated individuals. This guidance does not apply in healthcare settings, and masks are still required for patients, visitors and staff in our facilities. We will continue to provide updates on this page with the latest information available. COVID-19 vaccine | Video visits | Elective procedures | Commitment to care | COVID-19 testing | Additional resources Covid-19 Vaccine State and local health departments determine how vaccines are distributed. CHI facilities are participating in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines according to the guidelines for distribution provided by the local state or county health department. For more information about when or where you may be able to receive the vaccine, check with your county or state health department, or the CDC website. Frequently Asked Questions When will the vaccine be available? Is the vaccine safe? When can I get the vaccine? Where can I get the vaccine? How is the vaccine given? Where can I get more information about the vaccine? An unwavering focus on safety for all If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic has toughened our resolve to care for every patient with empathy, kindness, and a vigilance that’s only intensified. We know you may have questions about receiving in-person care. That is why we are following safety guidelines from the CDC and state leaders, and are only resuming care where we have enough supplies, capacity and protective equipment to safely provide care. We will screen everyone entering our care sites for symptoms of COVID-19, and require all patients to wear masks. Extra cleanings have been added between procedures. Visitor restrictions will remain in place, and most care sites will have designated areas for patients with COVID-19. Video Visits We are pleased to offer video visits as a convenient and safe way to see your doctor without leaving your home. Learn more about what a video visit is, how it works, and what types of visits can be handled virtually. LEARN MORE ABOUT VIDEO VISITS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT VIDEO VISITS We've taken the safety of patients and staff to a new level Screening all patients and visitors Physical distancing Enhanced cleaning Temperature checks Required masking Hand hygiene Your support Pre-surgery interview Our Commitment to safe care Perioperative Our top priority has always been the safety of our patients, clinicians and staff. This video is intended to share with you the extra steps were taking before, during and after each surgery, to help keep everyone within our hospitals as safe as possible. Patient safety will always be priority number one. WATCH VIDEO ERs Our top priority has always been the safety of our patients, clinicians and staff. We’ve taken extra steps to help ensure our ERs are safe and ready. This video is intended to share with you the extra steps we’re taking to make sure you get the care you need. WATCH VIDEO ‹ › Resuming Elective Procedures To prepare for the surge of COVID-19 cases, we temporarily paused many health care services and procedures. It was a difficult decision because these services are very important for our patients. Now we are safely resuming scheduled services and procedures. For information about surgeries resuming at your local hospital, find one of our locations near you. You may also be able to see your doctor without ever leaving your home with virtual care. HOW WE ARE RESUMING SERVICES How we're responding to COVID-19 We have made significant preparations to safely identify and treat patients with COVID-19 across the ministry. We are closelu monitoring the number of suspected or confirmed patients in our communities and continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and state health officials. We are monitoring supplies and other resources so that we can safely treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients without jeopardizing care for others. For the protection of our patients and caregivers, our care facilities have also implemented a universal masking policy. To increase access to care, we have expanded virtual visits with caregivers. Coronavirus testing Our health care providers are in constant communication with local health officials on coronavirus testing. Some of our divisions are offering drive-thru testing services, or outpatient clinics for testing. Check with your health care provider or county health department for more information about where to get a COVID-19 test. Additional information on testing is available through the CDC website. COVID-19 cost and coverage Coverage for your COVID-19 visit is determined by your health plan. There are also federal programs available for uninsured patients based upon defined criteria. We carefully review any charges from a COVID-related diagnosis. We work with both health plans and COVID-19 federal programs to help ensure that our patients are receiving any possible assistance. If a balance remains, we will only bill patients for their out-of-pocket responsibility. Payment plans and other financial assistance may be available, please call the number on your statement if you have questions. For additional questions about your statement If you received a statement and you have questions, please call the number on the statement. Public health guidance About coronavirus Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. COVID-19 is now spreading in many parts of the United States. The virus can spread through close contact with someone who is already infected. Symptoms Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory symptoms that can include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Use our online symptoms checker by clicking the blue chat box in the lower right corner. Social distancing Certain behavior changes can help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our communities. Many states have implemented orders asking people to stay home and restricting large gatherings, and people are encouraged to practice “social distancing” by avoiding crowds and remaining 6 feet apart from each other while in public places. Here are a few additional actions you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask over your nose and mouth Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like countertops, door handles, faucets, and phones. Stay home if you are sick. If you need medical care and have COVID-19 symptoms, call ahead first, or contact your physician for a virtual visit. How you can help We all need to work together to keep our communities safe and healthy in the face of COVID-19. Thank you for your seeking to lend your support. Here are some ways you can help: Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by taking the important measures listed above. Equipment donations – Although we are not experiencing equipment shortages at this time, many of our divisions are accepting donations of personal protective equipment in anticipation of future need. Accepted items may include masks, gloves, and protective eyewear. Check with your local hospital for specific requests. Support community organizations - Many trusted organizations are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few you may consider supporting The Dignity Health Foundation and CHI National Foundation The United Way has launched a COVID-19 Fund. The American Red Cross has organized blood donation opportunities to fight COVID-19. The CDC offers tips for managing stress and anxiety about COVID-19. Additional information and resources Centers for Disease Control (CDC) World Health Organization Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center Coronavirus news and updates Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Communities of Color MAR 04, 2021 CommonSpirit Health’s Alisahah Cole, MD, System Vice President Innovation and Policy Population Health, shares insights on why vaccine hesitancy may be more prevalent in communities of color. READ MORE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT UNDERSTANDING VACCINE HESITANCY IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR The Impact of COVID-19 in Communities of Color MAR 04, 2021 Why are minority communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19? Initial research indicates that socioeconomic factors are the primary contributor for the increased rate in minority communities. READ MORE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR U.S. COVID-19 cases surpass 18 million DEC 29, 2020 Dr. Thomas McGinn, executive vice president of Physician Enterprise, discussed the current state of the pandemic, the vaccine rollout, and growth in virtual care. READ MORE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT U.S. COVID-19 CASES SURPASS 18 MILLION Other News Don’t Share Your Air CHI Health doctors, nurses celebrate COVID-19 vaccine Lloyd Dean: Everyone can help heal an ailing healthcare system Lloyd Dean: How hospitals are prepping for the new COVID-19 surge Teacher, Learner, Cheerleader SEE ALL NEWS For Media For Current and Prospective Employees Contact CHI Call 303-298-9100 Send us a message Follow us: Visit our social media page facebook Visit our social media page twitter Visit our social media page linkedin Visit our social media page youtube ABOUT CHI OUR LOCATIONS IMAGINE BETTER BLOG © 2018 Catholic Health Initiatives | All rights reserved | Terms and Conditions | Website Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Notice of Patient Privacy Policies | Systemwide Mobile App Agreement Visit Catholic Health Initiatives >> Questions about the Coronavirus or vaccines?️