Toll-Free Hotline-
Ascension Wisconsin has established a dedicated telephone resource for COVID-19 questions. This can be accessed 24/7 by calling 1-833-981-0711.
Online Information: Self-Assessment Tool Added-
Direct access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension can be found here: https://healthcare.ascension.org/COVID-19. This online resource now includes a useful self assessment tool.
Ascension Wisconsin Expands Universal Masking-
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Joint Commission have recently released statements regarding universal masking in any healthcare building. In response to these recommendations, Ascension Wiscosin has expanded its universal masking to include all patients and visitors entering any facilities including hospitals, clinics and all other patient-facing sites of care. All patients and visitors entering these sites of care, regardless of symptoms, will be provided a mask if they arrive without a mask or cloth face covering.
Ascension Wisconsin Now Accepting Homemade Masks-
Ascension Wisconsin is now accepting homemade facemasks of any pattern. Ascension Wisconsin will make donated cloth face coverings available to community members as an effort to slow the spread of the virus and ensure critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can be reserved for healthcare workers as recommended by current CDC guidance. CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community based transmission. The use of simple cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost are being used by the public as an additional voluntary public health measure.
Individuals using homemade masks should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing it while continuing to practice appropriate social distancing. Further, it is critically important for individuals receiving homemade masks to launder them prior to initial use and then continue to launder it daily. Failure to do so may increase your risk of illness.
Ascension Wisconsin asks that all handmade masks be delivered clean, packaged in a resealable plastic bag with the quantity in the bag clearly labeled. Those interested in donating handmade masks to any hospital or clinic within Ascension Wisconsin are asked to send an email to [email protected] for further information on donation requirements and drop off locations.
COVID-19 Testing-
Ascension Wisconsin facilities continue to offer COVID-19 testing when indicated under CDC criteria or a requirement for patient discharge. A pre screening visit is required for any COVID-19 Testing at Ascension facilities. These can be done by contacting your primary care physician, visiting an Emergency Department/Urgent Care or by completing an online visit at getascensioncare.com/onlinecare/.
Ascension Wisconsin Continues Virtual Visitation-
To help minimize the impact of COVID-19, we’re limiting visitors in our hospitals, in-person visitation has been temporarily stopped. We encourage family members and friends of patients in our care to stay connected with their loved ones by virtual visitation. Our goal is to protect our associates and those we are privileged to serve by limiting possible exposure to COVID-19 and directing people to the right level of care.
There will be some exceptions on a case-by-case basis, including labor and delivery, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care (NICU) and end-of-life care. Those seeking services at Emergency Departments, Urgent Care or Clinic sites are asked to limit companions as much as possible for the safety of our patients and associates.
We understand that during this time it is important to stay connected to loved ones and remain aware of their status while hospitalized. We encourage any potential visitors to use alternate methods of communication to stay in contact with loved ones, such as calling, video chatting, or texting.
The updated restricted visitation policy at Ascension Wisconsin also includes the following:
• All visitors and vendors entering Ascension Wisconsin facilities will be screened for flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose/nasal congestion and or sore throat.
• No visitors who screen positive for cough, fever or difficulty breathing will be permitted into the facility.
• Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted.
Elective Surgeries and Non-Urgent Medical Appointments:
In order to protect against potential COVID-19 exposure, and to ensure the availability of resources to meet emergent health needs during this pandemic, Ascension Wisconsin is following guidance by the CDC, the U.S. Surgeon General, and American College of Surgeons and postponing elective services and non-urgent medical appointments.
Our top priorities are the health and safety of our patients, associates and visitors. Ascension providers will continue to provide emergency surgeries and procedures and clinically evaluate time-sensitive care delivery needs. We recognize that each case is unique, so processes are in place to review requests for procedures that might be considered elective to determine issues of optimal timing and resource support. Elective procedures are those that have options in terms of timing/level of urgency to be completed, or are determined non essential at this time.
Examples of postponed services include:
• Nonurgent procedures that would require intensive care unit (ICU) care
• Elective procedures that post-procedure would require occupancy in an inpatient hospital bed
• Elective procedures on high risk patients whereby post-procedure status may require occupancy in an inpatient hospital bed
• Elective procedures on any patient
• Any impacted patients will be notified directly. As cases of COVID-19 increase, Ascension continues to diligently monitor the situation to ensure we are protecting our patients, associates and the communities we are privileged to serve.
Social Distancing Efforts:
Ascension is adhering to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of Wisconsin’s Safer at Home Order to minimize exposure and support the health of our communities by avoiding large gatherings and maintaining distance from others when possible.
Here are some of the ways we are accomplishing this:
• Associates whose job duties allow working remotely are now required to do so.
• Facility Volunteer programs have been suspended until further notice.
• Non-essential business travel by Ascension associates has been suspended.
• Use of virtual technology for business meetings and other operational issues is being utilized.
Community event activities being held at Ascension Wisconsin facilities or hosted by Ascension Wisconsin including are postponed.
These adjustments will be reassessed if the situation changes.
What should people do if they think they may have symptoms or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Anyone who believes they may have had contact with someone who is confirmed to have, or is being evaluated for, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), should contact their physician. To help prevent the spread of disease, the CDC recommends that individuals call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room and inform clinical staff about symptoms and any recent travel. Our healthcare professionals will work with public health and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
There also is an Ascension COVID19 Hotline set up for those who have questions about COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or those who want to receive a text message to schedule an Ascension Online Care appointment with a provider. The toll-free number for Wisconsin is 1-833-981-0711.
Consider Virtual Care-
During this time, with many individuals who may be working from home, or who have children who are at home and out of school, or individuals who are working shifts at various times of day that may make it difficult to take off work to see a doctor, it may be a good time to consider ‘virtual care’ — an option for patients with low-acuity, urgent care issues who would like a virtual visit with a provider using the mobile device of their choice, smartphone, laptop or tablet. Download the app at getascensioncare.com/onlinecare. Available in all 50 states. No insurance required.
How can individuals best protect themselves and others from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
As COVID-19 continues to spread in Wisconsin communities, state and local public health officials are recommending community interventions such as social distancing, replacing in-person meetings with telework when possible, reviewing workplace sick leave policies, modifying, postponing or canceling mass gatherings, implementing restrictions on visitors to residential treatment and living facilities, and closures of schools, childcare settings. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. In addition:
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed or unsanitized hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Reduce unnecessary travel and wear a mask when going out in public if you think you have a contagious respiratory infection.