TO: Ballad Health All
FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center
DATE: Aug. 6, 2021
TITLE: Weekly COVID-19 briefing – Aug. 6, 2021
ACTION: Please post and cascade to all team members. This is a review of the major activities that occurred this week related to the COVID-19 response. NOTE: Additional items attached to this memo for review.
COVID-19 inpatient cases: 122
COVID-19 patients in ICU: 38
COVID-19 patients on ventilators: 22
Pediatric inpatients with COVID-19: 3
Percent of fully vaccinated population in Ballad Health’s 21-county service area: 37.5%
Ballad Health stands firm in our commitment to protect our team members and patients, and part of that commitment involves providing regular updates to our team about the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in our region.
Fueled by the Delta variant, the novel coronavirus is again spreading at an alarming rate in our region.
Facts to consider
- Since July 28, 2021, Ballad Health’s COVID-19 inpatient numbers have nearly tripled, from 46 to 122, including as many as five children at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. That is more than six times higher than the 20 patients who were receiving care in Ballad Health hospitals on July 5.
- The percentage of all coronavirus tests performed that are positive is 15%. As a reference point, our goal is less than 5%. As recently as last month, our positivity rate was as low as 3.4%. Over 95% of Ballad Health’s hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. While vaccinated adults may become infected by the Delta variant, very few need hospitalization.
- The percentage of people in the Appalachian Highlands that are fully vaccinated is only 37.5%. Statewide in Tennessee is 38.9% and in Virginia it is 53.7%.
- In the face of a national nursing shortage, a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases will soon create a crisis worse than anything we’ve previously faced in this pandemic. Cases are spreading so rapidly that hospitalizations could double weekly if additional mitigation efforts are not immediately put into place.
While those facts are frightening, here is some positive news: We have the tools to fight the spread of COVID-19, such as an extremely safe and effective vaccine for people 12 and older, mask wearing and physical distancing.
Protecting our children
Perhaps the most startling trend we’ve seen with the recent spread of the Delta variant is how it is impacting children.
- This past week, Ballad Health hospitalized five children with COVID-19, including teenagers and toddlers.
- Between 15% and 22% of positive cases that Ballad Health has diagnosed daily throughout the region in the past week are children under the age of 18.
With schools back in session, the potential for COVID-19 spread is very high, especially since children under 12 years old are not yet eligible for the vaccine. It is critical to protect these children that:
- Children attending school immediate begin to wear masks and social distance. The evidence is clear that masking and social distancing reduce disease spread and Ballad Health and Niswonger Children’s Hospital unequivocally support mandatory mask policies in schools. We applaud the recent school masking requirements announced in Hancock County, TN and Washington County, VA.
- All adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine receive one, and all parents vaccinate their vaccine eligible children, as soon as possible.
Updated policies
We are taking steps to lessen the possibility of virus spread in our hospitals. Effective immediately, we will return to universal masking in all of our hospitals, doctor’s offices, medical facilities and administrative offices, regardless of vaccination status, we will limit visitation and transition to virtual meetings.
Universal masking and eye protection
- Everyone, in all Ballad Health facilities, is required to mask at all times. This also applies to patients, unless they’re alone in their rooms. The only exception for team members is if they are eating alone or working alone in a private office or a non-clinical work area, in which case they may remove their mask.
- Universal eye protection is required for team members in all clinical interactions.
Visitation
- Effective Friday, August 6, new visitation restrictions will be implemented.
- Patients in our hospitals, outpatient centers and Ballad Health Medical Associates clinics will only be allowed one visitor at a time. This does not have to be a single designated visitor for the entire length of stay, but it does limit the number of people who will be in our facilities at any time.
- Visitation hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Each facility will determine the mechanism for ensuring one visitor per patient.
- NICU and PICU at Niswonger Children’s Hospital, as well as rooms with pediatric patients: Two visitors, but they must be parents or legal guardians. Hours of visitation are not restricted in these areas.
- Labor and delivery units: Two visitors per room. Surgery: One visitor or support person.
- Long-term care: Two visitors per room. Visitation must be pre-scheduled with the facility.
- Behavioral health: Visitation is ONLY permitted as scheduled by the Behavioral Health Treatment Team, known as “Therapeutic Visitation”.
- Certain exceptions for visitation will be made at the discretion of nursing leadership for end-of-life, comfort care and critical care patients.
- No visitors under age 18 are allowed unless they qualify for an approved extenuating circumstance. All visitors will undergo symptom screenings and must remain masked at all times – even if they’re fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Meetings and community events
- All internal meetings must transition into a virtual format or take place by phone. In-person meetings may only take place when absolutely necessary and all participants must remain masked, regardless of vaccination status.
- Team members who are able to work remotely should do so. Please consult with your manager and seek approval from departmental senior leadership before making arrangements.
- Ballad Health is withdrawing participation in community events, such as civic meetings and indoor expos. We implore event organizers to consider postponing these events or move them to a virtual environment in the wake of the current COVID-19 surge.
Additional workforce needed
Due the national and local nursing shortage, and the stresses of COVID-19, we’re hiring retired registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to assist with patient care support duties at our six largest hospitals – BRMC, FWCH, GCH, HVMC, JCMC and JMH.
- They will help with patient admission, discharge, and other areas.
- Temporary work and flexible shifts, including four-hour shifts, are available.
- A $100 cash bonus will be given to team members who recruit a retired RN or LPN.
- Interested nurses should contact Ballad Health nurse recruiters at 423-302-3299.
Important message notification
If you have Ballad Teams, our new mobile app for team members, be on the lookout for important messages, in particular regarding our response to the recent COVID-19 surge.
If the message is urgent and of high importance, you’ll also receive a “push” on the app, in the form of a short text message alerting you about the topic and linking you to the article. Don’t forget to turn on notifications in your phone settings so you won’t miss any important messages.
Daily COVID-19 Scorecard
Ballad Health will again distribute its scorecard Monday through Friday. You may click here to view it on the Ballad Health website.
COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccines are available for anyone ages 12 and older.
- The Johnson City Community Vaccination Center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-7 p.m.
- No appointment necessary. Call Ballad Health Nurse Connect at 833-822-5523 or visit www.balladhealth.org/COVID19 to schedule a preferred time.
- If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, please speak with a trusted healthcare professional or email BalladHealthCorporateEOC@balladhealth.org.
Testing
If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, even if they’re mild or appear to be allergies, please contact Team Member Health and schedule a testing appointment as soon as possible. All Ballad Health COVID-19 testing provides same-day results.
Watch this week’s livestreamed press briefing
Ballad Health has resumed weekly press briefings to share the latest information related to COVID-19. Tune in to the Ballad Health Facebook page every Wednesday at 11 a.m. to watch.
Looking for answers?
Have a question about vaccines, the Delta variant or a new policy? Contact the Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center at BalladHealthCorporateEOC@balladhealth.org.
