Special COVID-19 Issue

October 30, 2020
Eleven doctors plead to community in letter to take action against COVID-19 spread
Wisconsin continues to set unfortunate records for the number of cases in the state. Wisconsin is up to an average 4,128 new cases per day, a record high. Two months ago, that number was 684, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Advocate Aurora Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Stuck was one of several regional leaders to sign onto a letter urging people to take the pandemic seriously as case numbers continue to climb.

“But this isn’t about numbers. It’s about people. People you know and care about. Your mom. Your dad. Your grandparents. Your husband. Your wife. Your kids. Your partner. Your friends. Your neighbors. Your coworkers,” the letter reads.

“We want to make a plea to them that this is real, and that we need their help to turn the tide,” Dr. Stuck told CBS 58 in Milwaukee on Thursday.
The City of Milwaukee Phase 4.2 Order Update 
The Milwaukee Health Department is revising its COVID-19 orders, putting additional restrictions on gatherings, bars and restaurants, sports, and activities that can play a role in the spread of the disease.

Religious events, such as church services and other activities, are restricted to one of these three options (whichever is less):

  • 100 people (down from 250) who are required to be seated
  • 1 person per 30 square feet, or
  • 25% of your capacity. 

Learn more about the Phase 4.2 Order Update here.
A nurse explains what she's fighting for in her COVID-19 unit
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Wisconsin, CBS News recently spent time at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. ICU nurse Ashley Bonus explains why she keeps fighting, even as a Type 1 diabetic who is 17 weeks pregnant.

“This community, these patients, these families that are being affected by this,” she said. “That’s what I’m fighting for.”

See the CBS News story here.
I.C.U. workers record their anguish as the coronavirus surges
A journal that sits in a staff room just off the intensive care unit at a Milwaukee hospital tells the story of the devastating surge of the coronavirus that much of the country is experiencing. In longhand, the nurses and doctors who are tending to desperately ill Covid-19 patients share their thoughts in the journal, as a way to help one another through this.

“It’s just not fair!” one note in the shared diary read this week, as hospitalizations have soared both in this hospital and across the nation. “So over this, and literally nothing makes it better,” the health care worker wrote.
No-visitor policy at all Advocate Aurora Health hospitals
In response to the rising community spread of COVID-19 and hospitalizations, all of our hospitals will implement a No Visitor Policy for inpatients, with limited exceptions, to help keep our patients and team members safe.

We are encouraging the use of virtual visits and virtual vigils through Zoom video conferencing to help families connect safely with their loved ones during this difficult time. Call your hospital site and ask for the chaplain on call to arrange or learn more about virtual visits and virtual vigils.

Please know that, while visitation policies have changed, Advocate Aurora Health remains committed to honoring spiritual practices of those who are hospitalized. Faith leaders and family members can send cherished religious items, such as a Bible, Holy Water, Quran, etc., as well as electronic devices. Learn more about sending critical items to inpatients.

See details about the no-visitor policy here.
Fighting COVID-19 Misinformation
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, be aware of myths, rumors and misinformation. During a crisis, rumors and misinformation circulate easily and it’s sometimes hard to distinguish facts from fiction. Here are two tools that can help:

FEMAs Coronavirus Rumor Control - FEMA helps the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

COVID-19 Wisconsin Connect Fact Checker - All facts provided about COVID-19 are verified by researchers at the University of Wisconsin. 

#MCWScienceSays - If you would like verified information to share with your friends and family through social media, follow on Facebook for posts and videos featuring Medical College of Wisconsin doctors.
6 steps you can take to avoid catching the flu
By: Erica Noonan, social media specialist for Advocate Aurora Health

This year, getting a flu shot is more important than ever. While getting a flu shot is the number one preventative measure you can take to avoid catching the flu, there are other steps you can follow to lower your chances of catching the virus. Check out these 6 tips recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Have you scheduled your flu shot? Don’t wait – a simple flu shot is safe, easy and offers the best way to protect you and your loved ones from the flu. To schedule your flu shot appointment at one of our clinics or drive-thru locations, visit: http://aah.org/flu-shot
Community Flu Shot Clinics
This year, getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Make sure you vaccinate yourself and your family by stopping by a community flu shot clinic near you. Our clinics are mobile, so you’ll find no-cost flu shots available at new locations every few days. 

There's no cost for a flu shot, and no appointment or insurance is needed. All clinics are open for walk-ins of all ages. 
Advocate Aurora Health Safe Care Promise
Your health and safety is our highest priority. We want you to feel confident that you will be safe when you enter an Advocate Aurora Health site of care. The Advocate Aurora Safe Care promise provides additional measures to protect you and our team members.

Measures include virtual check-in, screening of those who enter, enhanced cleaning and more. See Safe Care Promise video and flyers in English and Spanish.
COVID-19 resources
The spread of COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation. Continue to check the CDC website for up-to-date information and guidance.

See a list of COVID-19 resources specifically for faith communities in Wisconsin, including resiliency resources, mental health resources, religious and spiritual resources and more.

The Advocate Aurora Health COVID-19 hotline at 1-866-4-HEALTH is staffed by clinicians who can answer questions about symptoms and determine the next steps in care.

The Advocate Aurora Health LiveWell app offers virtual appointments and virtual visits with physicians 24-hours a day.

The Advocate Aurora Health COVID-19 Resource Center in English and Spanish provides the most up-to-date information, tools and resources, including the policies for visiting patients in our hospitals, a COVID-19 Symptom Checker, CDC resources, ways you can donate, volunteer and help—and more.
See additional COVID-19 resources in English and Spanish, including flyers, e-newsletters, videos and public service announcements.
Click here to subscribe to health enews, a news service of Advocate Aurora Health, which offers breaking health stories, weight loss tips, exercise advice, the latest treatment options and much more.