March 6, 2020
Colleagues,
In light of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Keck Medical Center of USC is taking steps to ensure the wellbeing of our staff by providing up-to-date preparedness measures.
The following is a summary of topics we would like our community to stay informed about:
Temporary Halting of Non-Essential Patient-care Observations and Facility Tours
Keck Medical Center is temporarily halting non-essential observation of patient care, as well as the shadowing of clinical faculty and tours of its facilities; this includes Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, and associated ambulatory clinics. The initiative goes into effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
Observers of patient care, and those who wish to shadow clinical faculty, may contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (323) 442-9311 or (323) 442-9401 for questions. If individuals are determined to have an essential need, they will be screened and permitted or deferredaccording to CDC guidelines and hospital protocol.
Contact Your Primary Care Provider if Experiencing Influenza-Like symptoms
Should you experience influenza-like symptoms, please contact your primary healthcare provider and not Employee Health Services (EHS).
However, if you have returned from international travel since February 27, 2020, please call our service line at (323) 442-5219 to be screened by our EHS team. Keck Medicine has mandated that all employees must call and abide by this screening process prior to returning to work at any of our facilities. The service line will be staffed by EHS personnel 24 hours a day.
Please note, our employee health policy requires that employees must receive clearance to return to work through EHS following an absence of three (3) or more consecutive shifts due to illness.
Non-Emergency Calls to Phone Triage system Should be Made During Business Hours
Vendors and staff who have travel questions related to COVID-19 should utilize the dedicated service line during business hours, which are 8:oo a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours and weekend calls should be reserved for emergencies only. The service line number is (323) 442-5219. We have also established a confidential email address, employeehotline@med.usc.edu , to address employee questions and concerns related to COVID-19.
Do Not Use the USC Norris Cancer Hospital Lobby as a Pass Through
In recent weeks, an increased number of individuals have been using the USC Norris Cancer Hospital lobby as a pass through to reach both the Quad and Eastlake Ave.
This added foot traffic can negatively impact the many immunocompromised patients stationed in our waiting areas, and is especially concerning in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Because of this, we are asking you to find alternative routes when trying to access the Quad or Eastlake Ave. In an effort to further protect our patients, we will be putting measures into place that limit unnecessary access to the lobby area.
Beginning March 9, the USC Norris south entrance double doors will be locked and secured Monday-Friday, 6:oo p.m. to 6:oo a.m. A community service officer (CSO) will also be stationed at this entrance during the daytime from 6:oo a.m. to 6:oo p.m., Monday-Friday. Additionally, the south entrance double doors will be locked and secured on the weekends with access granted through the Aiphone Intercom system.
Important COVID-19 Resources
Please utilize the below resources for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19
External Keck Medicine COVID-19 resource page – https://www.keckmedicine.org/coronavirus/
Internal COVID-19 Planning and Preparedness site: https://keckmedicine.sharepoint.com/sites/KM-COVID-19
Centers for Disease and Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Additionally, for general questions related to COVID-19, contact Employeehotline@med.usc.edu . Please note, this address should be utilized for non-emergency concerns and travel-related inquiries, not return to work clearance matters for EHS.
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any of our facilities. If there is a confirmed case of novel coronavirus at Keck Medicine of USC, we have a well-established communicable disease protocol that will be activated.
Most importantly, please remember to take care of yourself. This includes staying home if you are sick, washing your hands frequentlywith soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering your cough with your elbow or sleeve, and avoiding touching your nose, mouth oreyes.
Since this matter is evolving daily, we are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed. Best regards,
Rod Hanners
Chief Operating Officer, Keck Medicine of USC
Chief Executive Officer, Keck Medical Center of USC