topic Re: Is Your State Taking Steps? in Community Chat

Is Your State Taking Steps?

Marp2 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:08:35 GMT

New requirements instituted by South Carolina:

Ebola is a highly infectious and deadly virus with a high mortality rate. As of this date, there are several confirmed cases in the United States, and more than one hundred persons in quarantine who are subject to daily monitoring following exposure to infected individuals.

The Board of Health and Environmental Control (Board) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) deem it necessary to enhance the ability of DHEC to maintain open and active communications with essential individuals and facilities, to prevent the spread of Ebola, to avoid imminent peril to the public, and to promote early identification and prevent potential for an outbreak. The Board and DHEC find it necessary to issue this Public Health Order for the protection of the public's health and to identify and establish a defined network of emergency communications.

All individuals and entities listed in this Order must monitor and respond to notifications and requests from DHEC via the means described herein within 24 hours or the time frame specified in the communication.

This Public Health Order is issued pursuant to SC Code Sections 44-1-80 and 44-1-140. Actions required for compliance are as follows:

Email Registration for Official Entities

On or before Monday, October 20, 2014, the following categories of individuals and entities must register with the Health Preparedness Network (HPN) by sending an email to the address listed below that applies to you, unless you received this Order directly via email from DHEC, in which case you are already registered. This Network allows you to receive one-way communications of public health importance, including but not limited to information, guidance, and instruction from DHEC regarding the Ebola virus.

Based on the classifications listed below, please locate your area of professional expertise and register through the appropriate email address.

Responder

http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/FHPF/HealthAlertsNotifications/ebola/healthPreparednessNetwork/

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

minkbunny — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:35:35 GMT

Hi Marp,

I don't know what extensive steps are being taken but as a personal observer,

today at the physical therapy center there was a sign along the lines of,

Any patient who has either traveled internationally or been in contact with a person that has will immediately be asked to wear a mask while inside this facility. Not sure how much good that would do as there is a lot of sweating going on inside a physical therapy room. But, I guess those patients would either be seen privately or asked to reschedule.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

tansy — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:39:55 GMT

I haven't seen any mention of Washington's state of preparedness but I'm fairly confident the larger hospitals are ready. Marien pointed out that we have a good option in nearby Missoula, Montana, as well.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

tansy — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:42:12 GMT

On 10/16/2014 minkbunny said:
Hi Marp,

I don't know what extensive steps are being taken but as a personal observer,

today at the physical therapy center there was a sign along the lines of,

Any patient who has either traveled internationally or been in contact with a person that has will immediately be asked to wear a mask while inside this facility. Not sure how much good that would do as there is a lot of sweating going on inside a physical therapy room. But, I guess those patients would either be seen privately or asked to reschedule.

Hmmm...I was at PT today and there were no signs about travel. I do know all of the equipment is thoroughly wiped down in between clients.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

biancardi — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:42:22 GMT

I have no idea. People at my job (as I have been working a lot lately, so I haven't been wired to my TV all day long on this) don't seem too concerned about it either.

I mean, we are concerned, but do not believe this is spreading.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

scotttie — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:43:03 GMT

Marp,

Who are they asking to register? That wasn't clear to me. Hospitals? Doctors and nurses?

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Elstongunn — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:44:52 GMT

I have no idea if my state has taken these steps, but I wouldn't be on the list to get this notification.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Qwackertoo — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:47:10 GMT

Not that I've heard yet but I've had a busy past few days. I imagine behind the scenes. Not that I've seen in my daily about town activities. I was in the medical district yesterday and everything seemed status quo.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Marp2 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:52:57 GMT

The list of those that have to comply with this order is unbelievably extensive. Responders including 911 dispatch centers, providers from hospitals and doctors to veterinarians and athletic trainers, morticians and coroners, schools--just about everyone but the general public (which is invited to sign up for the alerts) is required to comply with this directive. There will be no excuses for not being informed or prepared. The list is ON THIS PAGE: http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/FHPF/HealthAlertsNotifications/ebola/healthPreparednessNetwork/

There is so much more that SC is doing. I know NC is well prepared but have not heard of expansion to the preparedness plans in place. I suspect NC will follow suit.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

scotttie — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:56:55 GMT

Wow Marp. Sounds like your state is really on the ball.

Where did you find this info? I went to my state's website but nothing jumped out.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

pitdakota — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 01:47:28 GMT

Marp,

The state of Kentucky has had a mandatory sign up system in place for various health officials since 9-11 called "E-Alerts".

Our state Department of Public Health does have a webpage devoted to Ebola. I will post that link. In the upper right hand corner you will see "E-Alerts". But that is not just for ebola...that is for any important or other critical information the health department may be releasing.

http://healthalerts.ky.gov/Pages/EbolaInformationforHealthProfessionals.aspx

There is also a link for the posters that health care facilities were directed to be put up as well.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Marp2 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 01:52:32 GMT

Thanks Pit. I just might sign up for the KY alerts too. Between the CDC alerts, SC, KY and hopefully NC I should stay well informed about what is going on in my vicinity.

I think SC has done a good job with their preparedness links and other information on their ebola pages and I'm glad they are inviting the public to join in. May help allay fear.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Shorty2U — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:37:09 GMT

According to our local news the 2 hospitals in our county here in PA are taking precautions.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Marp2 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:47:26 GMT

Shorty,

I really wish more states/communities would get out the word about what they are doing to be prepared. Perhaps that would ease some of the fears if residents knew they aren't going to be facing a disaster like Dallas.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Marienkaefer2 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:50:07 GMT

On 10/16/2014 tansy said: I haven't seen any mention of Washington's state of preparedness but I'm fairly confident the larger hospitals are ready. Marien pointed out that we have a good option in nearby Missoula, Montana, as well.

tansy, there is a Oct. 6 article in the Seattle Times that says Harborview is one of a handful of hospitals across the country that has agreed to take Ebola patients airlifted out of West Africa. Another report from KING5 states that UW, Harborview, and Virginia Mason have been conducting training and practicing. Employees interviewed at these hospitals said they feel confident in their abilities to deal with Ebola. Swedish was the only hospital where employees said they do not feel prepared and have not had any additional training, so far. That's a big concern, but the other three big hospitals seem.prepared and their employees say they are prepared.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

ROMARY — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:05:26 GMT

Every state should be on the alert. With all of the traveling that people are doing now-a-days to all kinds of areas/countries/etc. Wish that just sending money to those areas would enable better health for the people, but it seems that money never arrives to where it should. Wishing all better health and quick recoveries for all.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

violann — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:35:00 GMT

Our local BIG MEDICAL CENTER has been featured on NYC TV stations.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

GrettaGarbled — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:38:49 GMT

I read last week that NYC was sending actors into hospitals to measure their response to a potential ebola patient.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

Marp2 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:42:50 GMT

On 10/16/2014 GrettaGarbled said:
I read last week that NYC was sending actors into hospitals to measure their response to a potential ebola patient.

That sounds like a good idea as long as it is done is a way that the results become a teaching/learning tool.

Re: Is Your State Taking Steps?

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:58:34 GMT

I honestly don't know what our state is doing. However, my husband usually takes several forms of public transportation on his daily commute. Until things get under control, he's driving every day.