WASHINGTON — The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) has reported four COVID-19 related deaths at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, as of April 14. An 87-year-old man, 81-year-old woman, 77-year-old man and a 59-year-old man have died after a coronavirus diagnosis at the hospital, officials said.
Forty-three hospital personnel and 28 patients have tested positive for the virus, according to DBH data, with an additional 23 staff and 105 patients quarantined.
Saint Elizabeths is the District’s public psychiatric facility for patients who need intensive inpatient care to support their recovery.
According to health officials, public visitation is not allowed at the hospital, proper PPE is given to staff and anyone coming into the hospital, including staff, is screened with a temperature check before entering. DBH says any nurse or hospital staff who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms will receive immediate priority testing at the United Medical Center's drive-thru testing site.
What precautions should you take?
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wear a mask if you have to make an essential trip outside
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Reasons to leave your home under stay-at-home order:
- Grocery store trips
- Medical visits or trips to the pharmacy
- Travel to your essential job
- Exercise such as walks, hikes or bike rides
Commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 infection include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pneumonia
If you are sick or suspect you are infected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the followings steps:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Avoid public areas, including work or school
- Avoid public transportation
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Contact your doctor via telemedicine for more guidance