Important Coronavirus Update
March 11, 2020

TO: All Members of the RWJUH Family
FROM: John J. Gantner, President and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
RE: Important RWJUH COVID-19 Update

As the local, state and national response to the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves, I will continue to provide you with updates regarding action planning and the state of preparedness here at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. As of yesterday, there were 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases in NJ; none of those cases were at RWJUH.

Earlier this week, an individual showing symptoms potentially associated with COVID-19 arrived at RWJUH and was admitted for observation and treatment. Today, it was confirmed that this patient has a presumptive positive case of COVID-19. The subject patient was admitted to an inpatient isolation unit where our Hospital followed all necessary precautions consistent with CDC protocols. In addition to this patient, there are several other patients being held in isolation at RWJUH awaiting laboratory test results.  

We currently have a supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks in stock and our staff has been trained in their proper use. In response to potential national PPE shortages, the RWJBH Health System has identified additional suppliers to ensure that we maintain adequate supplies on hand. As we resort to new vendors to meet our PPE needs, additional training and staff education may be required.

In connection with our efforts to create the safest possible environment for our caregivers and patients, you will notice that we have installed tents outside of the emergency department. Our intention is to use those tents to prescreen patients before they enter the hospital. In this way, potential COVID-19 patients can be fitted with PPE in advance.  

In addition, for the safety and well-being of our patients, their loved ones, our staff and the communities we serve, we have made temporary changes to our visitation policy as we continue to proactively respond to this serious public health issue.

For more information or if you have any questions about COVID-19, e-mail COVID-19@rwjbh.org .
Personal Protection/Guidance
The CDC recommends adhering to Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions for treating patients with confirmed or potential COVID-19:

  • Proper Hand Hygiene (not just when treating these patients, but all the time)
  • Proper Use of PPE
  • N95 masks should only be used when entering an isolated patient's room. The mask should be discarded after exiting the patient's room or care area and closing the door.
  • Be sure to properly don and doff eye protection, gloves and gowns. CLICK HERE for a video refresher on proper donning & doffing of PPE.
  • Use precautions when performing aerosol-generating procedures and collecting diagnostic respiratory specimens.

As per the CDC, proper hand hygiene and use of PPE limit the risk of exposure for healthcare providers. ( CLICK HERE for the CDC's Healthcare Provider Exposure Risk Classification Table.)

CLICK HERE for more from the CDC.
Updated Visitor Restrictions
Effective today (Wednesday, March 11th) , RWJUH and RWJBarnabas Health are making temporary changes to our visitation policy , as we continue to proactively respond to COVID-19:

  • In all ADULT inpatient units, outpatient locations, and Emergency Departments, visitation is limited to ONE person at the bedside/accompanying the patient per visit.
  • In LABOR & DELIVERY, visitation is limited to ONE support person and/or significant other per visit.
  • In PEDIATRIC inpatient units, visitation at bedside is limited to parents & guardians of family care partners (limited to TWO people per visit).
  • In NURSERIES & NICUs, visitation is limited to parents or support persons (limited to TWO people per visit).

Additionally:

  • NO visitors under the age of 16 will be permitted.
  • NO gatherings of family members, friends and other acquaintances of the patient will be allowed in family lounges, waiting areas, lobbies, cafeterias or restaurants on campus.

CLICK HERE for the full updated RWJBH Visitor Policy.
For Your Office: COVID-19 FAQs
The RWJUH Medical Staff Office has produced a COVID-19 FAQ document that you may print out for patients and waiting areas in your office.

CLICK HERE or on the image below to download.
Additional Useful Resources