Lexington physicians,
As the numbers of cases of COVID-19 rise in the community, so do the numbers of healthcare workers infected with the virus. Of over 100 Lexington residents now infected with COVID-19, 25% are healthcare workers. Mildly ill or asymptomatic healthcare workers can unwittingly spread disease. To protect patients and coworkers, please stay home when sick and strongly consider wearing a surgical mask at work. When placed on a source of infection, a mask can prevent transmission of viral particles to patients.
Conservation of all types of personal protective equipment is essential in the face of an anticipated continued increased demand in the coming days and weeks. Strategies for optimizing the supply of facemasks can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html Facemasks that have not been soiled or damaged can be reused by the wearer, on multiple days, if necessary in a crisis situation.
Also, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has developed the a document to assist patients who have possible or confirmed COVID-19 with taking care of themselves at home, since the majority of the illnesses can be managed outside of the healthcare setting.
Thank you for what each of you are doing to protect the health of our community.
Kraig
Kraig E. Humbaugh, MD, MPH
Commissioner | Lexington-Fayette County Health Department
650 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40508
859-288-2484 | Fax: 859-288-2359 | kraig.humbaugh@lfchd.org
www.lfchd.org