WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES MARCH 19, 2020 5
Dear Friends,
An Open Letter From
I wanted to update you on the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), how Wyckoff Heights Medical Center is
responding, and what you can do to help prevent the virus from spreading.
At this point we know that Coronavirus is being transmitted within New York City communities. Wyckoff
Heights Medical Center, like other hospitals, has been caring for patients who have contracted the virus.
We have taken a number of measures to ensure that our patients, visitors, and staff are as safe as possible.
We are:
• Following guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health
Ramon Rodriguez
President & CEO
authorities to prevent others from being exposed to individuals in the hospital who have, or who are being evaluated for, Coronavirus
• Suspending visiting because of State mandate and prudence as well as taking other steps to limit access to our facilities for anyone not essential to
care delivery
• Cancelled work-related travel, conferences, and in-person meetings with more than 10 people in a room
• Asking anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home
• Reinforcing the importance of frequent hand-washing and other common-sense measures to reduce the spread of infection
While we hope it will not be necessary, we are making provisions to create capacity to evaluate and treat more patients than usual.
During this time, it’s important that as a Hospital community and our neighbors, we approach this situation with respect and kindness. What we know is
that most people who contract coronavirus will experience relatively mild symptoms – but in some people can suffer severe symptoms, particularly for
people who are elderly or immune-compromised.
The most important thing we can all do is to stay informed, and use available information from public health authorities and act to keep ourselves and
those around us healthy.
I ask for you to help to care for our patients and make sure that hospital resources continue to be available for the community when they are most
needed:
• Please only use the emergency department for emergencies. At this stage, hospitals and doctors are not able to order coronavirus testing for most
patients unless they meet specific criteria approved by the NY State Department of Health, including the need for hospital admission. Most people
who visit the emergency department with mild cold or flu-like symptoms will be evaluated and released without being tested for coronavirus.
• Please be mindful of our visiting policy has been suspended by order of the NY Department of Health. We will be providing information through our
main line: 718-963-7272.
I encourage all members of our community to:
• Stay up to date with the latest guidance from the City and State health departments, and from Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.
• Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, disinfect surfaces and frequently touched objects with a household cleaning spray or wipe,
and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing
• Consider limiting attendance at large gatherings and limiting travel that is not essential, especially for community members who are elderly or have
compromised immune systems. I know for myself, I want to be in the presence of people who need my help, but now, social distancing is essential
especially with those who are in danger because of their health condition.
• Stay home if you feel sick. If you experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, joint pains, headache and cough, consult your physician.
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, call 911 or seek care immediately.
This information is continuing to evolve rapidly so staying up to date is critical. We encourage everyone to follow the latest guidance published by the
City, Sate, and Federal governments, which can be found here:
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
By keeping ourselves healthy and reducing the spread of disease, we can help ensure that our healthcare resources are available for those who need it –
both for coronavirus and for all of the other critical services we provide every day.
During this period, aspects of our daily routines may change. By staying informed, we will be able to go about our lives while taking precautionary
measures that are sensible based on the situation as it evolves.
The strength of the partnership between Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, community leaders, and other organizations that serve the community will be
critical as we all work together to take care of our neighbors and make our way through this.
As always, I want to thank you for your partnership and support, and for what you are doing to help keep our communities healthy. Please feel free to
contact me at president@wyckoffhosptal.org or contact our Coronavirus command center at covid19@wyckoffhospital.org
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
374 Stockholm Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Ph: 718-963-7272 • www.wyckoffhospital.org
Sincerely,
Ramon J. Rodriguez
President & CEO
@ramonjesus
ramon_jesus_rodriguez
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