Over the past year, the world has been navigating through uncharted territory due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At La Rabida Children’s Hospital, we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our patients, families, and staff.
We are monitoring the developing information and guidelines provided by local, state, and federal agencies regarding COVID-19 in order to keep our patients, families, and staff safe. It is our priority to keep our community informed and updated throughout this time of high-alert as we continue to meet the needs of our children and families. We have transitioned employees who are able to work remotely and have suspended our volunteer program in an effort to keep our community as safe as possible.
As a specialty pediatric hospital, we provide treatment to children facing complex conditions. Throughout the outbreak, we are committed to providing that care to families while ensuring their safety. In the outpatient setting, we are working on utilizing telehealth technology when possible to continue providing the treatment our patients need while reducing the traffic and exposure within the hospital.
Because we provide care to a traditionally underserved community, our patients and families are facing a slew of challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak. With the recent measures taken in the community to prevent the spread of this virus, our families are confronted with unforeseen obstacles like the loss of school meals or a decrease in income. We are continually working to identify community resources to share with families that will help them overcome these challenges. Our staff is working directly with each of our families to ensure they have the services they need to get through this unprecedented time.
For over a century, La Rabida Children’s Hospital has been committed to providing the highest quality of care to children and families across Chicago. Today, that commitment remains true. Our priority is, and always has been, the health and well-being of our children, families, and staff.
Brenda Wolf
President & CEO
EMERGENCY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
South Side Resources for Families
Shriver Center Resources for Families
Blue Cross Community Health Plans Resources for Families
CountyCare / Cook County Health Resources for Families
INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
How do people catch COVID-19?
Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 appears to be mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Preliminary data suggest older adults and people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems seems to be at greater risk of developing serious illness from the virus.
What should I do if my child or I are sick and think it might be from COVID-19?
If you are sick and have respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, stay home unless you need medical attention. Remain in your home until you feel better and have no symptoms. Keep in mind there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill can isolate at home. While at home, as much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people. Those who need medical attention should contact their health care provider who will evaluate whether they can be cared for at home or need to be hospitalized.
How do I get tested for COVID-19?
Currently testing for COVID-19 is very limited and only available for patients who meet specific criteria established by the Illinois Department of Public Health. La Rabida does not have the capability of doing COVID-19 testing.
How can we avoid getting COVID-19? Protect yourself and your family Clean your hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Protect others Stay home if you’re sick except to get necessary medical care. Cover coughs and sneezes
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask
• The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
• The use of simple cloth face coverings will help to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used.
• The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
Clean and disinfect
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
