Dear Patients & Community Members:

We wanted to take a moment to address our patients and community regarding the recent outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.  

While the media has been quick to provide real-time updates regarding the spread of the virus, we highly recommend you rely on trusted and respected health services when looking for information about the novel coronavirus. These include The Loretto Hospital, along with other community healthcare centers, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Chicago residents also can contact the Chicago Department of Public Health at (312) 746-SICK

Illinois residents outside of Chicago can contact the IDPH COVID-19 Hotline at (800) 889-3931 or at dph.sick@Illinois.gov

What is The Loretto Hospital doing to prepare for the virus?

We have a rigorous screening process in place and are immediately isolating anyone presenting with possible coronavirus symptoms. Our specialists are well-trained in infection control processes and protocols, and we continue to ensure all areas of our facilities are fully sanitized for your protection.  If you are not feeling well, we recommend contacting your doctor before your appointment or procedure.

The Infection Control and Emergency Preparedness team began training for all of our staff members this week. This training is focused on CDC’s guidelines to protect our patients and employees. Additional things we are doing include:

Posting signs for visitors and employees

Implementing visitor restrictions

As a preventative measure, the hospital has cancelled all community-related and external events with 25 people or more

Attending weekly calls about updates from CDC as a part of Chicago's Healthcare Coalition

Below is a brief summary of information and best practices published by the CDC to help protect yourself from this health concern:

What is the Novel Coronavirus? 

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses, some that cause illness in people and others that cause illness in animals. Coronaviruses include the seasonal flu and common cold. Novel (new) coronaviruses are new strains of the virus that have not been previously identified in humans. 

Symptoms

Reported symptoms can include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and may appear in as few as two to fourteen days following exposure. If you develop a cold or flu-like symptoms, especially after travelling, it is recommended to call your local healthcare provider for personalized expert advice. 

How It Spreads 

According to the CDC, transmission of the virus is primarily spread between people who are in close contact with one another. It is also believed that a person can be exposed to the new coronavirus by touching a compromised surface or object. However, due to the delicate nature of the virus, the CDC has stated that exposure from products or packaging that are shipped or mailed over a period of days or weeks as “very low risk.” 

Prevention & Treatment 

The PHAC, WHO and the CDC have recommended the following steps to help reduce the risk of exposure and to help prevent spreading the virus: 

At the moment, there is no vaccine for 2019 Novel Coronavirus. You can protect yourself from this disease the same way you protect yourself and others from the flu and various respiratory illnesses.

Wash your hands. Washing your hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer when soap is not available, is a great way to prevent the spread of any disease.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or face when hands are unwashed

Stay home when you are sick. If you aren’t feeling well, the best way to stop the spread of disease is to stay away from heavily populated areas like work or school.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Clean and disinfect household surfaces frequently

Avoid crowded areas

CDC recommends to avoid traveling to countries that have a Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notice. These include:

China, Italy, South Korea, Iran and Japan.

These countries are high risk and transmission is widespread and ongoing). If you have traveled to these areas or have been in close contact with someone who was tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus, please stay home to avoid spreading illness to others unless you need emergency care.

If you see a physician at Loretto Hospital, and would like to speak to them, please call: 833-TLH-HEAL (773-854-5475). 

Also, the local health departments have information for the general public, as noted below:

Illinois Department of Public Health HOTLINE: 217-782-2016 or after business hours and weekends at 217-782-7860.

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