Coronavirus Update:
What patients and families need to know
Protecting Your Family's Health
Prioritizing Your Child's Health and Safety
Your child’s health is at the heart of all we do at Children's National Hospital. During these challenging times, we continue to follow all of the latest guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and our local and state governments.
As regulations allow us to bring more patients and families back for necessary care and surgical procedures, we know there are concerns about safety. Here’s how we are protecting patients, families and staff:
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- We screen everyone (all staff, patients and visitors) with a temperature check and brief health assessment.
- Only those who meet the health screening requirements are allowed to enter our facilities.
- There are special processes in place for patients who are being admitted for inpatient care or having surgery or those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Employees with symptoms must return home for a period of quarantine and are tested before returning.
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- Yes, everyone must wear a face mask at all times.
- If you don't have one, masks are provided at check-in.
- Wearing a mask protects you and others.
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- We limit the number of people in reception areas.
- We continue to limit visitors to one family member only.
- We are staggering appointment times to space out visitors.
- Surgical programs have bedside registration to reduce time in waiting areas.
- Our staff will observe appropriate distancing when interacting with you and your family.
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- All patients are tested for COVID-19 upon hospital admission using rapid testing.
- Patients with COVID-19 are cared for in specially-equipped rooms.
- All surgical patients receive pre-testing and point-of-care testing before surgery.
- We have all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary.
- We will only care for patients if we have appropriate equipment.
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- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered cleaning materials are used frequently throughout the day on all surfaces in exam rooms, waiting areas, labs and office spaces.
- High-touch surfaces like door handles, exam chairs, exam tables and restrooms are given special attention.
- We have reconfigured our waiting areas for social distancing and have removed toys and other tough-to-clean items.
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- Please wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand gel frequently.
- Wear your mask.
- If you are sick, please stay home. If this interferes with your child’s health needs, please call your Children’s National doctor, nurse or scheduler.