Coronavirus 2020
If you are ill with a cough, fever, and trouble breathing, please call your clinic during regular business hours, or go to the nearest emergency department. It is important that you call ahead of your arrival so that staff may prepare for you.
UIHS Limited Testing Availability for COVID-19 (Corona Virus)
Patients who meet the following criteria may be considered for testing of the COVID-19 virus:
· Symptomatic (fever plus cough and/or difficulty breathing) healthcare facility workers
· Symptomatic individuals, 65 years and older
· Symptomatic patients with certain chronic medical conditions and/or an immunocompromised state that may put them at a higher risk for poor outcomes (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, receiving immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease)
· Symptomatic first responders
May consider case by case (lower priority in case of testing limitations/capacity):
· Symptomatic critical infrastructure workers
· Symptomatic individuals who do not meet any of the above categories
· Healthcare facility workers and first responders (without symptoms)
· Individuals with mild symptoms in communities experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations
Remember to use hand sanitizer products that contain at least 60% Alcohol.

CEO Update
COVID-19 Updates


Humboldt Clincs

Del Norte Clincs
Home Isolation


COVID-19 Outbreak Background
SARS-CoV2 is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease that caused the outbreak in Wuhan, China. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” So far, thousands of people have died from the virus.
COVID-19 in the U.S.
Over 600 cases have been confirmed in the United States.
California is one of the states with confirmed cases, and many counties in California have at least one confirmed case.
Please continue to practice good health habits, such as washing your hands frequently throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, covering your or sneeze, staying home when you are ill –except to seek medical care, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. For more information call your provider’s office during normal business hours.

How It Spreads
The virus can spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. It can then get inhaled into the lungs. This is similar to how influenza and other respiratory viruses spread.
Prevention
We want our community to stay safe from COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to:
¨ Avoid close contact with sick individuals
¨ Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
¨ Clean frequently-touched objects and surfaces with a recommended disinfectant
¨ Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
¨ Avoid events with large crowds
If you or a loved one are experiencing COUGH, FEVER, and SHORTNESS OF BREATH, please call your providers office.
If you need to seek medical attention because of respiratory symptoms at either your health clinic or a hospital, CALL AHEAD so that staff may prepare for your arrival.

What is social distancing?
While it may be disappointing to hear that so many sports events, cruises, festivals and other gatherings are being cancelled, there is a public health reason for these measures. These cancellations help stop or slow down the spread of disease allowing the health care system to more readily care for patients over time.
Cancelling events that are likely to draw crowds is an example of social distancing. Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.
Other examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:
- Working from home instead of at the office
- Closing schools or switching to online classes
- Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person
- Cancelling or postponing conferences and large meetings

What is self-quarantine?
People who have been exposed to the new coronavirus and who are at risk for coming down with COVID-19 might practice self-quarantine. Health experts recommend that self-quarantine lasts 14 days. Two weeks provides enough time for them to know whether or not they will become ill and be contagious to other people.
You might be asked to practice self-quarantine if you have recently returned from traveling to a part of the country or the world where COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, or if you have knowingly been exposed to an infected person.
Self-quarantine involves:
- Using standard hygiene and washing hands frequently
- Not sharing things like towels and utensils
- Staying at home
- Not having visitors
- Staying at least 6 feet away from other people in your household
Once your quarantine period has ended, if you do not have symptoms, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to return to your normal routine.
What is isolation?
For people who are confirmed to have COVID-19, isolation is appropriate. Isolation is a health care term that means keeping people who are infected with a contagious illness away from those who are not infected. Isolation can take place at home or at a hospital or care facility. Special personal protective equipment will be used to care for these patients in health care settings.

What is “flattening the curve?”
Flattening the curve refers to using protective practices to slow the rate of COVID-19 infection so hospitals have room, supplies and doctors for all of the patients who need care.
A large number of people becoming very sick over the course of a few days could overwhelm a hospital or care facility. Too many people becoming severely ill with COVID-19 at roughly the same time could result in a shortage of hospital beds, equipment or doctors.
On a graph, a sudden surge in patients over a short time could be represented as a tall, narrow curve.On the other hand, if that same large number of patients arrived at the hospital at a slower rate, for example, over the course of several weeks, the line of the graph would look like a longer, flatter curve.
In this situation, fewer patients would arrive at the hospital each day. There would be a better chance of the hospital being able to keep up with adequate supplies, beds and health care providers to care for them.
Lessening Coronavirus Impact
It’s important to know what to do if you feel sick. The coronavirus pandemic is making everyone aware of handwashing and protecting others from coughs and sneezes. Along with those essential steps, practices such as social distancing, and self-quarantine and isolation when appropriate can slow the rate of infection in a city, town or community.
The pandemic can seem overwhelming, but in truth, every person can help slow down the spread of COVID-19. By doing your part, you can make a big difference to your health, and that of others around you










Coronavirus Assessment Tool
St. Joseph Health has developed an online Coronavirus Assessment Tool that can help you evaluate risk factors for contracting the illness. Click the link for the Coronavirus Assessment Tool
Potawot Health Village-(707) 825-5000
Michelle Lewis-Lusso, RN CIC Infection Preventionist (707) 825-4068
Dr. Tracy Thompson, D.O. Chief Clinical Officer (707) 825-4147
Theressa Green , PHN Public Health Nurse (707) 825-5070
Weitchpec Site-(530) 625-4300
Crescent City Site-(707) 464-2750
Smith River Site-(707) 487-0215
Klamath Site-(707) 482-2181
Eureka Site-(707) 442-0380
For more information contact:
Humboldt County DHHS (707) 268-2182
Del Norte County DHHS (707) 464-0861
For additional information:
UIHS Emergency Operations Plan
COVID-19 Materials Developed for Tribal Use
Elder_Mental_Health_During_COVID-19
What Tribal Members Need to Know
CDC DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions
For recommended cleaning and disinfecting products please visit:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered-disinfectants