COVID-19

If you’ve been tested for COVID-19 at the Broward Health mobile site, please call 954-759-7500 for your result. Our caregivers are standing by.

With the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in Florida, visitation is suspended for patients receiving inpatient, surgical and emergency care, effective Friday, July 3 and until further notice. Broward Health remains committed to ensuring the safety of our caregivers and patients, and our healthcare system stands ready and prepared to care for our community.

We will continue offering surgical and medical procedures based on medical need while taking all measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Maternity, pediatric and end of life visitation remain:

• Postpartum maternity patients are allowed one father/support person to stay the entire stay. We discourage the father/support person leaving and coming back to the hospital. No other visitors in labor or postpartum.
• Pediatric and NICU patients are allowed one parent or guardian at a time per 12-hour shift (7 :00 am - 7:00 pm, 7:00 pm - 7:00 am).
• Patients at the end of life will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

We understand the importance of patients having contact with their loved ones and this role in the healing process. Please encourage patients to utilize technology to facilitate virtual visits via FaceTime, Skype or WhatsApp video calls. iPads are also available.

We also offer free virtual greeting cards, which are printed and delivered to patients. Please encourage loved ones to send free virtual greeting cards.

Potential donors and medical professionals should go to oneblood.org to learn more and pre-register. Questions should be directed to 888-9Donate, (888-936-6283) and select option 9.

Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently doesn’t know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they are more likely to have serious illness as a result.It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses. To learn more about CDC’s guidance for breastfeeding mothers and expectant women, visit: CDC.

Prior to visiting hospitals, ambulatory/urgent care centers or doctors’ offices, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, which include shortness of breath, dry cough and fever, should call their primary care physician or the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 866-779-6121. Your doctor or the Department of Health can advise whether you should be tested and then, if necessary, coordinate with first responders and hospitals to have you screened. This process is in place to protect patients, caregivers and the community.

For your protection and the safety of our patients, we are screening all visitors prior to entering our hospitals.We are also limiting entrances and have suspended visitations. We continue to follow evidence-based guidance from the CDC and Department of Health. Our caregivers are following safety protocols and participating in ongoing training to ensure our patients are provided the highest quality care.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you have any of these symptoms, please immediately contact Florida Department of Health, 866-779-6121. You’ll be directed on what to do next.

Upon careful review of area hospital utilization and COVID-19 statistics in South Florida, Broward Health is once again taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our patients, employee family, and medical staff. Effective, Wednesday, July 15, all elective, non-urgent, and non-emergency procedures will be suspended. Same-day emergent procedures will be reviewed on an individual basis until further notice. Appointments will continue for outpatient imaging, labs, physical therapy and rehabilitative services at our locations.

Patients scheduled for elective surgery on or after July 15, 2020, will be contacted by their provider. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your physician.

Broward Health is committed to providing high-quality care to all those we serve.

To confirm the status of an appointment, please call Broward Health Scheduling at 954-759-7500.

Broward Health is committed to the health and wellness of our community. This added safety measure is to safeguard our patients, visitors and to protect our caregivers from the spread of COVID-19.

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some diseases are highly contagious (like measles), while other diseases are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading between people. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at here.

Person-To-Person Spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• 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.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can Someone Spread the Virus Without Being Sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread From Contact With Contaminated Surfaces or Objects

It 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, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How Easily the Virus Spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.

We encourage all community members to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Protocols. These include, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and using a tissue or the upper sleeve of your shirt to contain a sneeze or cough. The CDC also recommends individuals practice social distancing and avoid close contact with people who may be sick. You are also advised per federal and state officials to not participate in any group encounters with more than 10 people.

There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

These Include:

Stay home except to get medical care

• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
• Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
• When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

If you have a fever, a cough or shortness of breath, please immediately contact Florida Department of Health, 866-779-6121. You’ll be directed on what to do next.