NEW ORLEANS — One college is doing its part to answer the growing calls for medical supplies needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.
Delgado Community College plans to loan four ventilators and donate more than 500 N-95 masks and other crucial medical tools to hospitals around the New Orleans area.
Besides the medical-grade masks, which are needed for doctors, nurses and surgeons to properly protect themselves from disease, the ventilators should come as a huge addition in intensive care units (ICUs), where COVID-19 patients are being treated for respiratory failure.
Other supplies from Delgado will includes boxes of surgical masks with eye shields, isolation gowns and gloves, school officials said.
“Our healthcare partners have been great to us by providing clinical and internship opportunities to our students as well as donating equipment so that our students can learn on the latest equipment and technology," Delgado Chancellor Dr. Larissa Steib said. "Now, at this very critical point we have an opportunity to be there for them as they work on the front lines to reduce the spread and care for those affected during this time of need.”
Medical workers caring for those with COVID-19 across the country have reported severe shortages of needed medical supplies.
As of Monday, there were more than 800 cases of the new coronavirus across Louisiana and 20 deaths from the disease. Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered a statewide "Stay at Home" mandate to try and keep residents social distancing to curb the spread of the virus.
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What you need to know about COVID-19:
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Worldwide illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including severe pneumonia that can result in hospitalization or death.
Older people and people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or cancer seem to be at greater risk of serious illness.
People with recent travel to China, or have come in contact with someone who has recent travel and is ill, have a greater risk for becoming ill.
What to do if you are sick:
If you recently traveled to an area affected by COVID-19 transmission, and you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor immediately. Do not go to the doctor without calling first.
If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the Louisiana Department of Health hotline at 1-855-523-2652.
If you are severely ill and you think you need to go to the hospital, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room.
How to Prevent the Spread:
The virus is thought to spread between people in close contact (within 6 feet) and through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Especially wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Stay home if you feel sick to prevent the spread of germs.
- Cover your cough with your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
Treatments for COVID-19:
There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. People with coronavirus should be treated with supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Some severe cases require going to the hospital, particularly in the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.
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