Public Health Awareness

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

With the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus making headlines across the world, it’s important to provide information about how to prevent its spread and how Lee Health is prepared to support the community.

There are seven known coronaviruses that can affect humans, and four of them are relatively common and cause cold-like symptoms.

Just because someone is diagnosed with coronavirus, that does not mean it is the COVID-19 strain.

Interested in donating supplies to Lee Heath?

Help our healthcare providers at the front line give safe treatment to all of our patients by donating items we need. Every hospital has similar needs, so all donated supplies will be distributed accordingly. We thank you in advance for your help and support.

Lee Health needs these items:                                                        

• Masks: surgical masks and N95 respirator masks
• Eye protection
• Disinfectants
• Medical gowns
• Gloves 

We urge donations to be delivered to:

Lee Health Foundation
9800 S Healthpark Drive
Suite 405
Forty Myers, FL 33908

Please call 239-343-6950 for questions.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The virus can cause symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some patients only show mild symptoms and recover, but others have developed life-threatening complications like pneumonia. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says symptoms of COVID-19 can appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after initial exposure. 

How can you avoid COVID-19?

• Proper handwashing. Remember to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap.You can also use hand sanitizer with greater than 60 percent alcohol. Read more tips on when to wash, how to wash, and other important life-saving instructions from the CDC.
• Avoid making contact with your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.
• If you are sick, stay home to help prevent the spread of disease.
• Clean frequently utilized areas.
• Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Should you wear a mask?

Generally speaking, wearing a mask is not necessary when going about your day-to-day life. In fact, masks can actually increase the risk of catching a disease.

They can become uncomfortable, which usually means people touch their mouth and nose more often to adjust the mask. 

But if you are sick, wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of germs to other people. It is also appropriate to wear a mask if you are visiting a hospital or will be in close contact with others. 

Precautions/Preparations

Lee Health experts have precautions in place if a patient with COVID-19 comes into one of our health care settings. Our team holds exercise drills throughout the year for cases such as this.

Every hospital has plans, protocols, and appropriate supplies and equipment in place to care for patients with serious infectious diseases. All clinical staff are trained in standard infection control procedures.

 If a patient is suspected of having the COVID-19, we take the following steps:

• Screen patients for COVID-19 symptoms and travel history
• Isolate a patient with possible exposure to COVID-19
• Protect the safety of caregivers and staff by providing appropriate information and personal protection equipment (PPE)
• Provide any emergency care needed to stabilize a patient isolated due to possible COVID-19 exposure
• Contact local and state health departments and the CDC to determine plans for testing, and if the case is confirmed, care.