COVID-19 Overview and Update
Local Information and Resources
March 22, 2020
Dear AAP-OC Chapter Members,
 
I want to first thank all pediatricians, sub specialists, and all who care for kids for continuing to stay in the front lines during this unprecedented time. As chapter members & child advocates, we must work together to keep our community and ourselves safe while staying on top of the ever changing updates with COVID-19. 

Here we have pulled the most updated information to provide our members practical guidelines & key local resources in Orange County on COVID-19. These resources are also located on our COVID-19 Resource Page, linked below.
Testing Updates
Who to Test:
Now that COVID-19 has spread to Orange County, the test recommendations have broadened. However as there is still a shortage of testing kits and PPE supplies, and in effort to flatten the curve through social distancing, it is recommended to test only if it will change patient management.
 
Testing should be done if a patient has cough and fever, AND has had close personal contact with a known COVID-19 patient, is a healthcare worker, or is in close contact with a high risk individual (age 65 or older, immune compromised, or has a serious underlying medical condition) as outlined by the CDC .





How to Test:
Infection Control Precautions :
PPE protection is recommended for providers & staff caring for patients with a high suspicion of having COVID-19, which includes masks, eye protection, gowns and gloves. Due to a shortage of N95 masks, facemasks are an acceptable alternative. 

We recommend that everyone reach out to their local dentists and health offices who are not seeing patients at this time to donate supplies to help keep our patients and our health care workers on the frontline safe.

If you have a Confirmed COVID-19 Patient:
Report all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases immediately to the Orange County Health Care Agency at 714-834-8180 (after hours 714-628-7008) (do not share these numbers with patients).
Outpatient Corner
 
As pediatricians and pediatric specialists on the front line, we must encourage social distancing by keeping both sick and well kids at home when they don't need to be seen. Phone triage and telehealth is our first line of defense to flatten the curve. We also must continue to re-structure our workflow and practices to keep sick and well families apart, and to keep our staff and community safe.
 
Here are some tips & resources to incorporate Telehealth into your practice.
 
 
Community Corner



Emotional Support for Kids and Families

Working and Learning from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Speak to a CHOC nurse 24/7 to answer your questions about COVID-19 and your child

Phone consultation service provided by CHOC Children’s that assists pediatricians who care for patients with behavioral or psychiatric issues in a primary care setting. M-F, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Community Resources
Sponsored by Project Vietnam

This website provides up-to-date information about known cases in Orange County, and provides key points about COVID-19, including print-ready handouts (multi-language) for your patients and families.

Includes and updated FAQ from pediatric infectious disease specialists. Includes information that is most relevant to pediatric patients and their families.

CDC
COVID-19 information specifically for healthcare providers. Includes protocols on evaluation, testing, and reporting patients, as well as infection control and PPE recommendations.

AAP-OC Page is updated regularly with information and resources.
If you have any further questions, please contact Jamie McDonald, Executive Director at jamie@aap-oc.org 
 
Thank you for all you do to ensure our patients, families, and community stay in optimal health during this time.
 

Best,
Katherine Williamson, MD, FAAP