Q1: How is COVID-19 spread?
A1: The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person..
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Q2: How do I protect myself?
A2: Protect yourself and others against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart, avoiding crowds, washing your hands and getting vaccinated once a vaccine is available to you.
See more information about COVID-19 vaccine scheduling & information.
Q3: What should I do if I believe I am sick with coronavirus COVID-19?
A3: Call the office of your health care provider before you go. Tell them about your travel or exposure and your symptoms. Your health care professional will work with your local public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with others, don’t go out in public and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Q4: Why are you implementing visitor restrictions?
A4: For the health and well-being of our patients and caregivers, we are reducing the number of people and hours for visiting patients at CommonSpirit facilities. We thank the community for their understanding in helping us in reducing the risk and spread of these viruses.
Q: What steps are you taking to ensure the safety of your patients and their families?
A: We have instituted multiple practices to ensure the safety of our associates, patients and visitors, including:
- Screening all associates and providers for elevated temperature, exposure and other symptoms prior to the beginning of each shift.
- Requiring all associates, providers and visitors to wear a mask covering nose and mouth for the duration of their time in our facility.
- Restricting visitation based on community levels of COVID-19.
- Modifying access points.
- Implementing enhanced deep-cleaning procedures following guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control.
- Requiring COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated patients prior to time-sensitive procedures.
- In our hospitals, separating patients who do not have COVID-19 into different areas away from patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
- Encouraging social distancing by reconfiguring areas like our lobbies, cafeterias, coffee shops and waiting rooms.
Read more about cleaning measures.
Q: Why is everyone wearing masks?
A: The safety of our patients and caregivers is our top priority. CommonSpirit Health follows guidelines on masks from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health agencies. The CDC has suggested the use of masks to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Our care teams will use different types of masks and other protective equipment like gowns, gloves and goggles in different areas depending on the unique needs of the patients we are caring for.
More about PPE in our hospitals.
Q: Will I (or my family member) need to wear a mask?
A: A mask or face covering is required to be worn in all areas of our ministry, including exam rooms, clinics, and hospitals.
- If you do not have one, we will provide you with a mask.
- If you are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to age, a medical reason, disability or it is necessary to see the mouth for communication purposes, we will discuss options with you.
- This complies with the Governor’s order for mandatory face coverings.
Find do's and don'ts of wearing masks and gloves.
Q: Can my family members come with me?
A: For the safety of our patients and caregivers, we are limiting the number of visitors that can enter our hospitals. However, any patient having a surgical procedure will need one friend or family member to drive them to and from the hospital, help care for them and help with forms and other information as needed.
The guest who accompanies a surgical patient is required to wear a self-provided mask and will be screened for symptoms, exposure and temperature at the entry to the building on the day of surgery. If positive, the guest may be asked to leave the building, isolate and/or seek medical attention. This may result in a delay in the patient’s procedure. The visitor will need to leave the hospital following the procedure if a patient is admitted for continued care.
Q: Why are you testing me for COVID-19 even if I don't have symptoms?
A: It is possible that an individual can have COVID-19 even if they are not having any symptoms. Testing and screening before procedures to rule out COVID-19 allows us to be sure we are not exposing our caregivers, patients or their families to the virus or creating greater risk to the patient during a surgical procedure. Your provider’s office will provide full details about screening and testing requirements upon scheduling your procedure.
For More Information:
We are here to support our patients and communities. If you are scheduled for a procedure, please reach out to your physician’s office or your scheduled facility. Our associates can walk you through any additional questions or concerns you may have.
CommonSpirit Health recommends to following resources to find the most accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19, community impact and guidelines.