Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between those who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

To protect yourself and others:

• Stay home except to take care of essential needs or go to an essential job, and don't go to work if you are sick. 
• Practice social distancing. Keep at least six feet away from other people unless they’re family. Avoid gatherings of any size.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into your bent elbow.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Wear a cloth face cover if you have to go out in public where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Non-medical cloth masks are recommended for the public. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for health care providers caring for patients. Note, masks with small plastic valves are not being permitted at Scripps. While they protect the wearer, they do not protect others, and you’ll be asked to put on a different mask. Neck gaiters, which can be pulled over the mouth and nose as needed, are also not being allowed.

Thank you to the hundreds of individuals and companies that have stepped forward in this difficult time with donations of medical supplies and other goods. As we continue to care for COVID-19 patients, we want you to know we appreciate that help and are still collecting donations to ensure our staff, physicians and patients have what they need to get through this crisis. While we currently have the appropriate masks and other supplies on hand to provide necessary protection, our supply cycles are not guaranteed. 

To further boost our supply, we are gladly accepting donations of: 

• N95 masks/respirators
• Surgical/procedural masks
• Cloth masks and cone masks
• Isolation gowns
• Non-latex gloves
• Disinfecting wipes and cleaners
• Bottled gel hand sanitizer

Whether you’re able to help a little or a lot, thank you for thinking of us at Scripps. It’s heartwarming to know the people of San Diego want to care for us as we care for them.  

Please contact us first at corpsupplychain@scrippshealth.org so we can discuss your donation and arrange for delivery.

Many people have asked what they can do to help our doctors and staff. While we continue to ensure our physicians, nurses and staff have the resources they need to safely care for patients, we have set up a special Scripps COVID-19 Fund to directly support our response to the health care needs of our community during this unprecedented time.

Gifts made to the Scripps COVID-19 Fund will help us pay for supplies, care for patients and support the staffing and operations fully focused on combating this virus and keeping our community safe. You can also share a message of thanks and inspiration using our online tribute form.

Scripps Health physicians and care providers will not be supplying letters to patients to “clear” them of COVID-19 in order to return to work. This is in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the CDC that state, “employers should not require a positive COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work.”

Our recommendation is that employers adhere to criteria set forth by the CDC in which a patient is considered “recovered from COVID-19” and ready to return to work. This includes: 

1. Seven days have passed since the patient’s symptoms first appeared AND 
2. The patient has not had a fever for at least 72 hours/3 days without the use of a fever-reducing medication AND 
3. The patient’s respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough or shortness of breath) have improved.

At this time, Scripps does not recommend using a negative COVID-19 test result as a “return to work” criteria due to uncertainties of testing reliability, accuracy and capabilities. Rather, Scripps providers recommend that patients have NO symptoms for at least 3 days before returning to work. 

For further guidance on returning to work, visit: 

• CDC: Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19
• CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Physician notes for travel cancellations will only be written for confirmed illness during time of expected travel. In some cases, trip cancellation insurance can protect your financial investment in a trip if you need to change your itinerary in the event of an international outbreak, such as this. We recommend working with your travel agency, hotel or airline regarding refunds. Please visit the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 travel information page for the most up-to-date information on travel recommendations and restrictions.