We are facing multiple challenges during these unprecedented times. We are dealing with a virus that has a powerful ability to spread (more on this below) with a rate of mortality estimated to be 10x greater than that of the flu virus. Information about Covid-19 (including guidelines for testing and treatment) is changing rapidly.
Here, I wanted to share with you several updates regarding:
- Transmission and viability of Covid-19
- Supplements that may cause harm in the case of Covid-19
- Up to date resources you can rely on to provide reliable, evidence-based information about Covid-19
To continue reading, click here.
For those of you who live in NYC, here is an update from Department of Health I received yesterday.
SARS-CoV-2 TESTING IN NEW YORK CITY
Here are some of the recommendations to healthcare professionals in NYC by Department of Health sent on March 20, 2020:
- Persons with COVID-like illness not requiring hospitalization should be instructed to stay home. It is safer for the patients and health care workers and testing does not currently change clinical management or recommendations about staying home.
- Hospital systems may create alternate testing venues to offload their emergency departments.
- This minimizes risk of transmission to others, especially healthcare workers (HCWs)
- There is a national shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), collection swabs, and viral transport media supplies and it is critical that laboratory testing be prioritized for hospitalized patients
- There is no reason to test asymptomatic persons or mild-to-moderately ill persons who are not hospitalized, including HCW or first responders
- Testing may play a more significant role after the pandemic has peaked
- PRESERVE PPE for HCWs providing medically necessary care for hospitalized patients
- Like other jurisdictions with general community transmission of COVID-19, New York City (NYC) is facing a critical shortage of PPE
- There is no reliable data that use of NSAIDS or ACE inhibitors for patients with COVID-19 like illness is harmful
Stay healthy and safe,
Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly
