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Preventing, Testing and Treating COVID-19

Whether you turn on contract the virus, and thus numerous times a day. You may also use Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline
the television, listen to the far, for reasons unknown, alcohol-based hand sanitizer. at 866-779-6121. By calling your doctor
radio, pick up a newspa- children ages 0-9 thankfully • Refrain from touching your face, espe- or the hotline, you will have your ques-
per or go online, COVID- seem to suffer only mild cially your eyes, nose and mouth. tions answered and also prevent unnec-
19 is the headline. symptoms or be totally • Cough into your bended elbow or into essary exposure at local hospitals.
Questions about this rela- asymptomatic. a tissue. However, if you are having difficulty
tively unknown coron- It is important to remem- • Avoid close contact with anyone who breathing or need immediate medical
avirus are dominating ber that the majority of indi- seems to exhibit cold or flu symptoms. attention, call 911 or proceed directly to
global communication as viduals who do test positive • Practice social distancing. the Emergency Department.
public health profession- for COVID-19 will only suf- • Avoid unnecessary travel. If your primary care physician wants
als worldwide are work- fer mild to moderate cold or • Have at least a 30-day supply of pre- you to be tested for COVID-19 and has
ing diligently to protect flu-like symptoms and will scription medications available. written a prescription, you can call the
patients, visitors, care- BY ANDREW TA, MD be able to recover from the Leading a healthy lifestyle is always a Broward Health line at (954) 320-5730
givers, staff and society as comfort of their homes and good idea. There is no time like the pres- to schedule an appointment at Broward
a whole. self-treat with over-the- ent to revisit your New Year’s resolutions Health’s mobile testing site. Within min-
Everyone shares some responsibility counter medications to reduce fever and about eating healthier, exercising more utes of arriving, you can be tested from
for the success of our combined efforts. manage other symptoms. For those with and controlling stress. By taking these your car. Test results will be relayed to
While each of us can control only what is existing health issues, particularly indi- steps, while also regularly taking pre- you in a few days by your prescribing
within our reach, the cumulative effect of viduals who are older, a more serious, scribed medications, getting eight hours of physician or a Broward Health caregiver.
our actions can have far-reaching and severe illness could develop, requiring sleep and eliminating smoking, you can Prevention is the best defense against
dramatic results. hospitalization. Broward Health and boost your immune system, helping you COVID-19 and is the responsibility of
Two crucial questions have overshad- partnering health systems are prepared to prevent or reduce the effects of the virus. each member of our community. Simple
owed all others: Who is at risk and what care for these patients. Each of us is responsible for our own steps will yield significant results.
can we do? Public health officials have Regarding what you can do to avoid health and that of our community by fol- Together, we will come through this
been consistent in their answer to the getting sick, the following precautions lowing the above best practices. If you are healthcare challenge with renewed
first question: Older adults and those are worth repeating: suffering from cold or flu symptoms and appreciation for protecting our health.
with underlying health conditions, such • If you have cold or flu-like symp- want further guidance as to whether you
as lung disease, heart disease and dia- toms, stay home. should be tested for COVID-19, prior to Dr. Andrew Ta is Chief Medical Officer at
betes, are at greater risk. Nonetheless, • Wash your hands thoroughly with going to the hospital you should contact Broward Health. For more information, visit
younger, seemingly healthy people can soap and water for at least 20 seconds your primary care physician or the Florida www.browardhealth.org/pages/coronavirus.

Given Covid-19, Everyone Has a Role in This Crisis

Does a Healthcare Worker Have “I stayed at work for you. our emergency rooms and

the Right to Not Go to Work? You stay at home for us.” acute care centers. We are
message
expending
A
powerful
significant
trending across social media effort to help our members
in recent days highlights the address any shortage of
Generally, employees do not have the right to
refuse to work at their discretion or else they poten- important role local resi- supplies.
tially face disciplinary actions or termination. dents can play in reducing We also caution against
However, under exceptional circumstances Covid- the spread of disease and the unscrupulous vendors
19 may trigger the Occupational Safety and Health courageous work being per- selling fake testing kits
Act (OSHA): formed by medical profes- and PPE to the public.
1) Lack of Safety Equipment - the lack of basic sionals around the clock as Your personal physicians
safety equipment which causes an imminent risk of we collectively fight are the most reliable
life or health to the employee, which an employer is COVID-19. While everyone BY ANTONIO MESA, guides regarding what
responsible for providing would trigger OSHA; is impacted by the disrup- DO supplies and testing
2) Employee Disability - if an employee has a tions to life, work, and fam- patients might need. Do
known disability that puts them at higher risk for ily, we rely on our medical professionals not fall victim to fraud.
contracting Covid-19 then the employer is required BY BEN ASSAD MIRZA, and their dedicated support staff to place The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious
to make reasonable accommodation, like letting ESQ., LLM, CPA, the disruption and fear aside, continue to public health emergency. It is everyone's
them work outside of the risky environments. MPHA, CHC show up for duty, and care for those who responsibility to follow the recommen-
If either of the above two conditions are present need our help. Our respect and gratitude dations of the Centers for Disease
an employer is not allowed to retaliate against the employee. Another issue affect- is extended to you all. Control (CDC) and the Florida
ing workers might be a family member who is seriously ill. Our leadership and staff have been Department of Health (DOH) and heed
3) Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), may be an avenue which may allow the working tirelessly to deliver important the warnings of public officials to
physician up to 12 weeks of relief so they can take care of their spouse, child, or updates, tips, and tools our members can decrease exposure to others. This
parent with a serious health condition. FMLA is very specific and it does not apply use to meet these challenges. We have includes the recommendations for social
to all situations. FMLA only applies to employees who have worked more than significant concerns with the lack of distancing and quarantine that slow the
1,250 hours in the last 12 months and the employer must employ over 50 employ- available testing for our patients as well transmission of the virus.
ees at or near the location of work. Serious medical condition is something that is as physicians and medical personnel At the same time, we urge patients not
documented; it may require hospitalization or continuous medical care, etc. it who have been exposed to the virus. We to panic. Following the recommenda-
depends. Note: Caring for a child for lack of not being able to find childcare is typ- call upon those with influence to expend tions noted above is the best choice for
ically not deemed as a qualifying condition. all efforts to increase the availability of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and
An employee has the right to ask for safety equipment and for policies and pro- testing. ensuring adequate resources are avail-
cedures in place from an employer concerning the issues pointed out above. We also have significant concerns with able for those who do need them.
My heartfelt gratitude to the healers. the dwindling supply of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) in our insti-
If you have questions about your unique situation, contact Ben Assad Mirza, Esq., tutions and community practices. It is Dr. Antonio Mesa is President of the
Healthcare Law Partners, LLC, at (954) 445-5503 or Ben@HealthcareAttorney.net. critical that community practices stay Dade County Medical Association. For more
open and capable of delivering routine information, contact the DCMA
care for patients to prevent a surge on at (305) 324-8717.

14 April 2020 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News