Wuhan virus (coronavirus) arrives in the USA

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03/03/2020 19:11

Subject: Re:Wuhan virus (coronavirus) arrives in the USA

Anonymous

The situation in Germany:
OK on supplies for now as they have been stocking up the past 4 weeks in anticipation, but need to lock up masks and disinfectant as people are stealing them. Staff shortages in the future might be helped with student nurses and retirees. Drive through testing and out patient clinics being planned.

https://rp-online.de/nrw/panorama/coronavirus-nrw-kliniken-muessen-desinfektionsmittel-wegschliessen_aid-49323487

The spread of the corona virus in North Rhine-Westphalia ensures that materials such as respiratory masks and disinfectants are stolen in hospitals. "The clinics are required to lock their inventory," said the spokesman for the hospital company NRW, Lothar Kratz, our editorial team. "We are aware of cases in which disinfectants were taken from donors, for example." This is also reported by a Duisburg clinic that has closed its warehouse as a precaution. The medical director says: "We are currently stealing everything that people think can help against Covid-19." A whole range of disinfectants was stolen from the warehouse at the University Hospital in Münster.

The Malteser Kliniken in Duisburg are currently blocking their breathing masks and disinfectants. However, donors continued to hang in the toilets and rooms as well as in the corridors, says a spokesman: "Right now it is important to have clean hands." In the Lukas hospital in Neuss, there have been reports of theft of disinfectants from the entrance hall. The demand outside of hospitals is currently so high that bottlenecks are quite possible in the coming weeks, adds Kratz. A query at the clinics in the past week showed that the supply fluctuated.

If the corona virus spreads further, there could also be difficulties for doctors and nursing staff in the clinics. Last week, the Hermann Josef Hospital in Erkelenz, the Maria Hilf clinics in Mönchengladbach and the Cologne University Hospital had to send dozens of employees into quarantine at home. According to a spokesman in Erkelenz, the intensive capacity is currently limited. In addition, operations that are generally unnecessary could be postponed. "Postponements from elective surgery are normal in epidemic cases and generally in more urgent emergencies," says a spokesman for the German Hospital Society. The professional association for nursing professions is critical of the possible effects.

Given the spread of the virus, there are special protective measures in many places. For example, in Gangelt in the district of Heinsberg, where there are a particularly large number of infections, in Düsseldorf and in the hospital in Kleve, separate outpatient clinics have already been set up in which infected people can possibly be tested. The employees there work in protective clothing. "With this precautionary measure, we want to enable effective diagnostics and protect the health of our employees and patients," said the spokesman for the clinic in Kleve, Christian Weßels.

At the University Clinic in Münster, it has even been possible since Friday to be tested without leaving your own car. According to spokeswoman Anja Wengenroth, a separate outpatient clinic was set up in three containers in addition to the emergency department. At the main entrance to the clinic, those affected can report from the car and then be directed there. Employees in protective clothing come to the car and start a conversation. "If a test is necessary, a swab is taken," Wengenroth says, "while the person concerned remains in the car." Afterwards, until the test result is available, he is sent to home quarantine - and only admitted to the clinic when the test is done turns out positive.

According to the NRW hospital company, students or already retired clinic staff could help in an emergency. According to Lothar Kratz, it is currently being discussed how "in the event of a critical escalation" medical students in the last year of training and former employees "can be involved in the care." Medical staff from the German Red Cross are also available. The North Rhine Association has increased the task force and is in contact with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health. "For example, we can provide medical staff for hospitals and emergency rooms if they experience staff shortages," says spokesman Andreas Brockmann.

The decision should be made by the clinics and the responsible health authorities. So far, this has not been queried, says Brockmann. However, DRK employees are already active in the Heinsberg district and support the establishment and operation of the central outpatient clinic there. In addition, the district of Euskirchen, in cooperation with the German Red Cross, has set up its own coronavirus hotline, also to "avoid uncertainty or even fear."