Coronavirus Update

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By using this website, you agree to Palomar Health's Terms of Use:

Last Updated October 17, 2023

By using this website, you agree to the following Terms of Use. If you do not agree to all of these terms, please do not use this website. Palomar Health reserves the right to change, modify, add, or delete portions of these Terms of Use at any time, including to the arbitration and class waiver provisions identified below. Your continued use of this website following any changes to the Terms of Use will mean that you accept those changes. Please refer to the date listed above to determine when the last changes were made. Please read carefully below regarding your rights with respect to disputes, which includes an agreement to resolve disputes by arbitration on an individual basis.

Use of Personal Information/Privacy:

This website is owned and operated by Palomar Health, a public health district in California. By using this website, you agree that Palomar Health may monitor your use of this website and may use the results of such monitoring without limitation.

During your visit to our website, we may request information from you, such as your name, email address, physical address, telephone number and other personal information. Further, we will collect any other personal information you share with us.

Personally identifiable information may be collected from visitors to our website and provided in an aggregate form to other parties within the Palomar Health family, or external to it, for marketing, advertising or other similar uses. Third parties may monitor your use of this website.

We provide several ways to e-mail us with questions you may have as you navigate our website. Please note that any information sent through an e-mail message is unsecured and can be seen on computers which transfer data from your computer to Palomar Health. We recommend that you do not email sensitive personal health information, or any other confidential information, to Palomar Health or anyone else. Should you choose to provide information in this manner, you do so at your own risk.

For further information regarding Palomar Health’s Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms of Use by reference, please review: https://www.palomarhealth.org/privacy-information/

Cookies:

Please be aware that your browser must be enabled to accept cookies for you to use certain areas of our website. A cookie is a piece of data that a web server stores on your hard drive so that it can be retrieved later. Other than as discussed above, we do not use this information for any other purpose. All of the information Palomar obtains from you is stored in our database and may be retrieved by people who are gathering that information. A cookie containing your unique ID is all that is stored on your computer.

Copyright:

Ownership: In general, information presented on this web site, unless otherwise indicated, is considered in the public domain. It may be distributed or copied as permitted by law. However, Palomar Health does make use of copyrighted data (e.g., photographs or other materials) which may require additional permissions prior to your use. Palomar Health shall have the unlimited right to use for any purpose, free of any charge, all information submitted via this site, except those submissions made under separate legal contract. Palomar Health shall be free to use, for any purpose, any ideas, concepts, or techniques contained in information provided through this site.
Permission May Be Required From Other Parties: This website may include copyrighted materials owned by third-party contributors who have granted Palomar Health permission to post those materials on this website. The fact that Palomar Health has permission to post the materials does not give you the right to use those materials. To use any copyrighted material that is not owned or created by Palomar Health, you must seek permission directly from the owning or holding sources.

Trademarks:

“PalomarHealth.org,” “Palomar Health,” and all logos related to Palomar Health’s services are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Palomar Health or Palomar Health’s licensors. You may not copy or otherwise use them without Palomar Health’s prior written consent. In addition, all page headers, custom graphics, button icons, and scripts are similarly protected and you may not copy, imitate, modify or use them without our prior written consent. You may use HTML logos provided by Palomar Health for the purpose of directing web traffic to Palomar Health. You may not alter, modify or change these HTML logos in any way, use them in a manner that misrepresents Palomar Health or its services or use them in a manner that implies Palomar Health’s sponsorship or endorsement, unless so authorized in writing by Palomar Health.

You must be over 13 to use this Website:

This website is intended for use by people age 13 or older. If you are younger than 13, you should seek permission from your parent or guardian to use this website and any information submitted on your behalf to this website must be by a parent or guardian.

Content of this Website Is for Informational Purposes Only – No Medical Diagnosis or Advice is Given:

The content and materials provided in this website are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment.

PALOMAR HEALTH DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF SUCH INFORMATION AND CONTENT AND MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION AND CONTENT. PALOMAR HEALTH ASSUMES NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER OF ANY KIND FOR THE INFORMATION OR CONTENT CONTAINED IN THE WEBSITE, OR FOR ANY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT MADE IN RELIANCE THEREON.

PALOMAR HEALTH DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE CONFIDENTIALITY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY COMMUNICATIONS MADE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. THE INTERNET SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TRANSMIT ANY SENSITIVE OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION TO PALOMAR HEALTH, AS OTHERS MAY INTERCEPT THE INFORMATION. ADDITIONALLY, INFORMATION TRANSMITTED TO PALOMAR HEALTH VIA ELECTRONIC MEANS TO THIS WEBSITE MAY NOT BE RECEIVED AT ALL, MAY NOT BE RECEIVED OR REVIEWED IN A TIMELY MANNER, OR MAY BE RECEIVED BY THE WRONG PARTY.

Linked Sites:

The Palomar Health Website contains links to external websites which may be useful to you and which may provide services. These links are provided as an information service only. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate the content and usefulness of information obtained from other websites. Linking to another website takes you away from the Palomar Health Website and subjects you to the privacy policy of the new website. Palomar is not responsible for the content of any external website. Palomar Health will not be liable in any way for any external website, including, without limitation, for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of your use of the such sites. You agree that you must evaluate, and bear all risks associated with the use of any external website, including, without limitation, any reliance on the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the material contained therein.

Third Party Advertising:

Third parties may offer goods and services to you through marketing that is made available at or through this website. Unless otherwise expressly stated, Palomar Health makes no endorsement regarding such parties, nor does Palomar Health make any representation, recommendation or warranty with respect to these third parties’ goods, services or advertising. You agree to hold Palomar Health harmless in connection with the selection of third party advertisers, as well as their acts and omissions.

Disclaimer of Warranties:

All materials on this website are provided “as is” and Palomar Health expressly disclaims any and all warranties of the material provided herein, expressly stated or by implication, including any: (i) implied warranties of design, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose or title, (ii) warranties arising from a course of dealing, usage or trade practice, and (iii) warranties of non-infringement.

No oral or written information or advice given by Palomar Health in connection with this website will create any warranty.

Palomar Health does not warrant or promise that the functions contained in any of the services or products provided on this website will meet your requirements, or that the operation of any such services or products will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that defects in any such services or products will be corrected, or that this site or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or other harmful components. Furthermore, Palomar Health does not warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of any such services or products in terms of its correctness, accuracy, timeliness, reliability or otherwise.

(State Limitations)

Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so some of the above exclusions may not apply to you. You should check your local laws for any restrictions or limitations regarding implied warranties.

(User Information, Data, and Content)

PALOMAR HEALTH ASSUMES NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INFORMATION, DATA OR CONTENTS GENERATED BY YOU IN CONNECTION WITH THIS WEBSITE OR SERVICES. PALOMAR HEALTH EXERCISES NO AUTHORITY OVER SUCH INFORMATION, DATA AND CONTENTS, DOES NOT REVIEW OR MONITOR SUCH INFORMATION, DATA AND CONTENTS, AND WILL NOT BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING THE ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, APPLICATION OR CORRECT USE THEREOF.

Limitations on Damages

BY USING THIS WEBSITE YOU AGREE THAT PALOMAR HEALTH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM THE USE OF, OR THE INABILITY TO USE, THIS WEBSITE.

Arbitration

Affects your and our rights and will impact how claims between you and us are resolved;
Includes a Prohibition of Class and Representative Actions and Non-Individualized Relief pursuant to which you agree to waive your right to participate in a class action lawsuit against us;
Requires you to follow the Opt-Out Procedure to opt-out of these arbitration provisions by mailing us a written notice that must be postmarked no later than 30 days after the date you accept these Terms of Use for the first time.

If a dispute arises between you and Palomar Health, our goal is to learn about and address your concerns. If we are unable to do so to your satisfaction, we aim to provide you with a neutral and cost-effective means of resolving the dispute quickly. Disputes between you and Palomar Health should be reported to Palomar Health according to the provisions of the Government Claims Act, California Government Code section 810, et seq. All notices under the Government Claims Act, section 910 et seq. should be directed to:

Attn: Government Claims Act
Secretary of the Board of Directors of Palomar Health
2125 Citracado Pkwy, Suite 300
Escondido, CA 92029

In the event that resolution under the presentation requirements of the Government Claims Act is not successful in resolving your claim, you agree to abide by the following:

Arbitration Agreement: To the maximum extent permitted by law, you and Palomar Health each agree that any and all disputes or claims that have arisen or may arise between you and Palomar Health, including without limitation federal and state statutory claims, common law claims, and those based in contract, tort, fraud, misrepresentation or any other legal theory, will be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration. This agreement to arbitrate is intended to be broadly interpreted. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this agreement to arbitrate.
Arbitration Venue: Following the procedures set forth in the Government Claims Act, either you or Palomar Health may initiate arbitration. You and Palomar Health each agree to use JAMS (https://www.jamsadr.com/) and to submit any demand for arbitration through JAMS’ process. You and Palomar Health agree to the jurisdiction of the JAMS arbitrator over any dispute between you and Palomar Health, unless you and Palomar Health agree otherwise in writing. If JAMS is not available to administer the dispute, you and Palomar Health agree to use an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association (https://www.adr.org/).
No Class Actions: To the maximum extent permitted by law, you and Palomar Health agree that each of us may bring claims against the other only on an individual basis and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative action or proceeding. Unless both you and Palomar Health agree otherwise, the arbitrator(s) may not consolidate or join more than one person’s or party’s claims and may not otherwise preside over any form of a consolidated, representative or class proceeding. Also, the arbitrator(s) may award relief (including monetary, injunctive and declaratory relief) only in favor of the individual party seeking relief and only to the extent necessary to provide relief necessitated by that party’s individual claim(s) and in keeping with the damages limitations in the Limitations on Damages section above.
Arbitration Procedures: Arbitration is more informal than a lawsuit in court. Arbitration uses a neutral arbitrator or arbitrators instead of a judge or jury, and court review of an arbitration award is very limited. However, the arbitrator can award the same damages and relief on an individual basis that a court can award to an individual. All issues are for the arbitrator to decide, except that a court of competent jurisdiction may decide issues relating to arbitrability, the scope or enforceability of this agreement to arbitrate, or issues that these Terms of Use indicate that a court can resolve.

Any arbitration will be administered by JAMS, a well-respected arbitration and mediation service. For all claims in which the value of the relief sought is $10,000 or less, JAMS’ Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures, as modified by these Terms of Use, will apply without exception unless otherwise agreed to in writing by both you and Palomar Health. For all other claims, JAMS’ Comprehensive Rules, as modified by these Terms of Use, apply. All of JAMS’ rules are available on their website at https://www.jamsadr.com/adr-rules-procedures/.

The arbitrator must decide the substance of all claims in accordance with applicable law, including recognized principles of equity, and will honor all claims of privilege recognized by law. No court or arbitrator is bound by rulings in prior arbitrations involving different users of Palomar Health’s website, except that a court or arbitrator will be bound by rulings in prior arbitrations involving the same Palomar Health website user, to the extent required by applicable law. The award of the arbitrator shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

Arbitration Costs: Payment of all JAMS or arbitrator fees will be governed by JAMS’ rules, unless otherwise stated in these Terms of Use. If you are able to demonstrate that the costs of accessing arbitration will be prohibitive as compared to the costs of accessing a court for purposes of pursuing litigation on an individual basis, Palomar Health will pay as much of the JAMS or arbitrator fees as the arbitrator deems necessary to prevent the cost of accessing the arbitration from being prohibitive. Any request for payment of fees by Palomar Health must be submitted by mail to JAMS along with your Demand for Arbitration. In the event the arbitrator determines that either the substance of your or Palomar Health’s claim or the relief sought was frivolous or brought for an improper purpose, then you or Palomar Health may seek to recover from you or Palomar Health any fees paid, including attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by JAMS’ rules and applicable law.
Severability: You and Palomar Health agree that all of the terms in these Terms of Use are severable. You and Palomar Health agree that, if a court decides that any part of these Terms of Use is invalid or unenforceable, the other parts of these Terms of Use still apply. You further agree that, if any disputes are determined by a court not to be subject to arbitration, then those disputes must be severed from any other disputes and may be litigated in court, with the remaining claims heard in arbitration.
Choice of Law: You agree that, except to the extent inconsistent with or preempted by federal law and except as otherwise stated in these Terms of Use, the laws of the State of California, without regard to principles of conflict of laws, will govern these Terms of Use and any claim or dispute that has arisen or may arise between you and Palomar Health.

Opt-Out Procedure: You can choose to reject the arbitration provisions of these Terms of Use by mailing us a written opt-out notice. The opt-out notice must be postmarked no later than 30 days after the date you accept these Terms of Use for the first time. You must mail the opt-out notice to:

Attn: Opt-Out Notice
Secretary of the Board of Directors of Palomar Health
2125 Citracado Pkwy, Suite 300
Escondido, CA 92029

Your opt-out notice must contain the following information: Your name, your address, and the first date after August 11, 2023, on which you first accessed Palomar Health’s website. PLEASE NOTE: You must sign the opt-out notice for it to be effective. This procedure is the only way you can opt out of the arbitration provisions of these Terms of Use. Please note that even if you opt out of the arbitration provisions of these Terms of Use, all other parts of the Terms of Use continue to apply.

Updated November 29, 2021

California Department of Public Health Fact Sheet: Omicron Variant

What do we know about the Omicron variant? We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. Here is what we know: Read more…

Hot Topics

What is a Crisis Care Plan?
A Crisis Care Plan provides a framework to help health care facilities and county health departments plan for the potential of a COVID-19 surge that is overwhelming. It aims to ensure that, should conditions push our systems into providing crisis care, we do so in a coordinated and thoughtful manner, using a common framework, procedures, and decision making that best protects the health of all Californians. To view California’s Crisis Care Plan, click here.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe and effective?
Watch the presentation below by Infectious Disease Medical Director, Dr. Sandeep Soni, explaining the research and data about the Pfizer vaccine.

What spiritual care services are offered during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Palomar Health Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and visitors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ministers of all faiths and Catholic priests may go on-site for end-of-life situations only. They may also call in to a patient’s room to meet spiritual needs. Please talk to your loved one’s nurse to discuss the need for spiritual support.

Do Palomar Health hospitals provide masks to patients?
To further reduce the exposure risk to our staff and physicians, we will be providing all patients with a mask to be worn while hospitalized. Patients will be given a surgical mask by the nurse or CNA upon being admitted into a patient room (unless coming from the ED and one has already been provided) along with education on how and when to use the mask. The patient will keep the same mask until discharged unless it appears soiled or degraded in any way and then a new mask must be provided. The patient should wear the mask each time a member of the healthcare team enters the room unless the patient condition inhibits this. Employees may remind patients to wear the mask when they enter a room, but a patient has the right to refuse at any time.

Virtual Visits

To increase access to patients during this difficult time, Palomar Health encourages patients to visit with their loved ones virtually through their smartphone or tablet. If the patient does not have access to a device, they will be able to use a loaner iPad provided by Palomar Health. To initiate a virtual visit, the patient (or loved one by calling the patient’s room) must ask their bedside nurse to set up the virtual visit. There may be a delay as there are a limited number of iPads available.

The iPads are Wi-Fi enabled and equipped with Apple FaceTime and Google Duo. The call must be initiated from the patient’s room on the iPad as an outgoing call; the loved one can only receive the call. Loved ones must have an internet-connected device with either FaceTime or Google Duo installed to accept the call. This can be a phone, tablet or computer. If the patient and loved one both have access to their own personal internet-connected device, they are welcome to initiate a virtual visit at any time.

If you have any questions, please ask to speak with the charge nurse in the unit where the patient is staying.

Is Palomar Health providing free COVID-19 tests?

No. None of the Palomar Health facilities offer free COVID-19 tests. At this time, Palomar Health is only testing patients with symptoms and others who meet certain criteria.

Is it safe to come to the hospital?

Yes. Palomar Medical Centers in Escondido and Poway are taking extraordinary measures to ensure your safety during the coronavirus pandemic. Please don’t hesitate to access emergency services if you have cardiac issues, abdominal pain, chest pain, orthopedic injuries or psychiatric emergencies. Early treatment can result in drastically improved outcomes.
Here are some of the ways we are ensuring your safety:

Screening all patients at the door
Isolating potential COVID-19 patients from all other patients
Masking all patients and personnel throughout the hospital
Restricting visitors
Unprecedented cleaning and sterilization of all surfaces

What are the visitor restrictions?

What are the vendor and contractor visitor restrictions?
In accordance with CDC guidelines, all non-essential vendors and contractors are barred from entering all Palomar Health facilities. The exceptions to this policy (essential care vendors and contractors) are those who provide services directly to medically necessary patient care and essential equipment or facility processes. This policy is effective immediately and until further notice. All vendors and contractors must check in at the front desk upon arrival and those meeting the criteria will be given a badge for that day only. Please see the attached letter on our vendor restrictions at this time.

INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS

How can I protect myself?
Here are the best ways you can protect yourself and others:
– Wear a mask while in public
– Sanitize and/or wash your hands often
– Keep six feet of distance from anyone not in your immediate household
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick
– Do not touch your face
– Stay home if you feel sick
– Properly cover your cough/sneeze
– Disinfect highly touched areas
– Get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you. Learn more here.

What should I do if I believe I am infected with COVID-19?
Call your primary care physician. If you do not have a healthcare provider, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego and they will connect you with a provider. Stay home until instructed to leave by your healthcare provider. Do not visit the Emergency Department unless you are having an emergency situation. Read our steps to follow for more information and watch this video on why you should call first to avoid exposing others. Even if you do recover from being infected with COVID-19, it’s still encouraged that you get a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine here.

What should I do if I am told to isolate at home?
The County of San Diego has issued a specific set of directions for anyone who is being evaluated or has confirmed positive for the coronavirus. These instructions also cover anyone who has contact with the coronavirus carrier. You can also learn how to take care of yourself in this video and seven ways to stay safe if you’re high risk in this video.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Should I get an antibody coronavirus test?
Palomar Health’s Chief Medical Officer and the Medical Director of Infectious Diseases are suggesting you wait until a more valid antibody test is developed. The vast majority of antibody tests are not FDA approved and in the opinion of many medical experts are not yet accurate. Scientists are currently working to create a reliable test and are hopeful they will get FDA approval in the future. The most accurate current tests being conducted by hospitals nationwide, including Palomar Health, is called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which examines a sample of mucus taken from the nose or mouth.

Is Palomar Health testing all patients for COVID-19?
At this time, only patients with symptoms and others who meet certain criteria will be tested.

Are we testing people without symptoms for COVID-19?
Following CDC guidelines, and due to the low number of test kits available, we are only testing people who show symptoms. Since incubation periods after exposure differ for each person, testing someone without symptoms could produce a negative result and a false sense of security for the individual and those around them. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus, but isn’t showing symptoms, should wear a mask and remain in quarantine.

What are the odds I am COVID-19 positive, but I received a negative test result?
The sensitivity and specificity of the COVID-19 test is greater than 98%, which means the rate of false negative test results is very low.

How much is a COVID-19 test?
We treat everyone regardless of their ability to pay. As is the case with any treatment, we collect insurance information. Your insurance company is best to answer any payment related question.

How is Palomar Health screening patients for the virus?
All patients are screened at the entrance to the Emergency Department and their temperature is taken. Those who meet the criteria for possible coronavirus testing are immediately masked and sent to a designated area to isolate them from other patients. Patients are evaluated and those suspected of carrying the virus are tested and sent home with medical instructions or tested and admitted to the hospital for treatment, depending on patient condition.

What is the process for testing?
First you are screened to meet CDC testing requirements. Then a practitioner swabs your nose and/or mouth to collect a specimen. If you need hospital care you will be checked in and treated as necessary, otherwise you will be sent home and asked to self-quarantine.

What should I do once I have been swabbed for the coronavirus?
If you have been tested for COVID-19 at a Palomar Health hospital and sent home you will be contacted as soon as your results are availabe. If you are home waiting for results, stay home and away from other people as much as possible.

How many days does it take to get coronavirus results back?
If you are admitted to the hospital (become an inpatient) your results will usually be returned in less than 24 hours. If you are tested (swabbed) and sent home to self-quarantine, your results may take up to 7 days or longer. You will be contacted immediately when your results are available.

Is Palomar Health operating drive through coronavirus testing?
Drive-through testing is only being done with appointments for those who have a scheduled surgery at one of our hospitals. Our emergency departments do not offer drive-through testing and is only testing people with symptoms. Unless you have an emergency situation, please contact your doctor first before coming to the Emergency Department.

PALOMAR HEALTH ACTIONS

Is Palomar Health resuming outpatient services?
In accordance with County guidelines, we have started to slowly resume outpatient services. As of June 1, Cardiac Rehab has resumed Phase 2 services and outpatient diagnostic imaging has resumed for critical cases. All patients will be screened and all required precautions will be observed including masks, social distancing and frequent hand hygiene.

Are gift shops and Starbucks open at Palomar Medical Centers?
The gift shop at PMC Escondido opened on June 1 with limited hours and the gift shop at PMC Poway will reopen once volunteers are able to return to the hospital. Starbucks will be reopening at PMC Escondido on Monday, June 8. All County guidelines for retail businesses will be followed at these locations.

When will elective surgeries resume?
Government agencies loosened surgery restrictions to allow those that are “time-sensitive” and essential to the health of the patient. Although surgery volume is vital to our business, it’s important that we resume surgeries in the safest way possible to protect our patients and staff. We are resuming time-sensitive surgeries while monitoring safety and PPE use closely. All other elective surgeries will continue to be suspended at this time.

What types of treatment and testing is Palomar Health doing?
We are continuing to review advanced treatment options for COVID-19 which include: Dexamethasone, Convalescent Plasma and Remdesivir. We are not currently doing any anti-body testing as the only FDA approved test is not reliable and does not specifically test for COVID-19.

What is Palomar Health doing to prevent the spread?
Palomar Health continues to maintain and provide all proper PPE to staff. All employees are required to pass a temperature check when entering all buildings and must wear a mask at all times while at work. Employees much practice social distancing at all times, including in the café and breakrooms while eating. All meetings are being done virtually and employees who are not required to be in the hospital are telecommuting until further notice. Volunteers have also been suspended for the time being. Vaccines are also being administered to staff members across the health system.

How has this healthcare crisis affected hospitals?
The COVID-19 worldwide pandemic has caused unforeseen challenges and extreme difficulties to healthcare systems across the county. The process of balancing expectations and the realities we are currently facing have caused hardships on many companies, Palomar Health included. Unfortunately, hospitals and healthcare systems, like many other businesses, are faced with tough decisions to ensure we are able to balance our finances and ensure we can continue serving the community during and after this crisis. As usual, we will continue to adjust staffing levels to patient volume.

Does Palomar Health have enough hospital-grade PPE?
Yes. Palomar Health has been able to maintain use of all proper hospital-grade PPE. We always have and always will provide the necessary PPE required by the CDC for patient care. In many cases we have exceeded the requirements.

Does Palomar Health have enough ventilators?
We are continuing to increase our supply and have a proof of concept that will allow multiple patients to share one ventilator, further increasing our capacity.

DONATIONS

How has the community helped Palomar Health through giving?
One of the most inspiring parts of this pandemic has been the tremendous outpouring of support we have seen from our community. Since March, we have received 7,860 meals and food items, 18,083 supply donations, 20,000 homemade masks and more than $1 million in donations.

Why did Palomar Health ask for mask donations?
Palomar Health asked for mask donations, and we are happy to announce we reached our need for cloth masks.

What should we do with donations other than masks?
We are receiving many donation offers from generous local companies and residents. We are grateful for their generosity and ask all hospital supply donations be sent to Heather.Woodling@palomarhealth.org in Supply Chain. Donation offers for anything other than supplies should be directed to Kimberly.Nailon@palomarhealth.org at the Foundation.

Note: Due to the outpouring of support we are no longer accepting mask or food donations. Thank you for your support.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Where can I get the latest data on the spread of the coronavirus?
The County of San Diego Public Health Department updates coronavirus statistics every day around 4 p.m.

Where can I get good information about community resources such as child care, etc.?
The County of San Diego operates a website and information line that contains local resources, sorted by zip code that has been vetted by professionals. You can call 2-1-1 or visit their website to learn more about these resources.

Do you sell N95 masks? If not where can I purchase them?
No hospital sells N95 masks, but they are available from third party vendors. Please be careful of scams and price gouging as some are taking advantage of the pandemic. Your best defense against contracting the coronavirus is to stay at least six feet away from other people and wash your hands regularly.

COVID-19 FACTS

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus) is a respiratory disease first identified in Wuhan, China causing an illness not previously seen in humans. The fact that it’s a new virus with little information is why it’s getting so much attention.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus mainly spreads between people in close contact with each other and/or from a cough or sneeze. People are most contagious when they are feeling sick. However, it might be possible for the virus to spread before symptoms occur. Although unlikely, the virus could spread by touching an infected surface and then touching your face.

What are COVID-19 symptoms?
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
– fever
– cough
– shortness of breath

- Fatigue and muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore Throat
- Congestion or runny nose

- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea

Where can I find the best information?
Centers for Disease Control
San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency

COVID-19 Treatments at the Hospital and Home Seminar
Watch this seminar presentation by Critical Care Physician Dr. Ian Butler as he discusses COVID-19 treatments.

Flu Vaccinations
Each year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (www.cdc.gov) recommends a new flu vaccine to protect against the upcoming strains of influenza. The 2019 – 2020 flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. It will not prevent illness caused by other viruses. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after the shot, and protection lasts six-months to one year. Palomar Health, working under national guidelines provided by the CDC, is prepared to vaccinate as many individuals as possible, age 9 and older, through its community flu shot clinics. Palomar Health nurses will provide the influenza vaccine by injection to persons 9 years of age and older.

There are no more community flu shots this season.

Locations

Palomar Medical Center Poway

15615 Pomerado Road

Poway, CA 92064

(858) 613-4000

Palomar Medical Center Escondido

2185 Citracado Parkway

Escondido, CA 92029

(442) 281-5000