As Florida embarks on a phased reopening, AdventHealth’s goal is to create an environment that is safe for all. AdventHealth is unveiling sweeping changes and innovative services that will continue to safeguard patients, visitors, team members and the greater community as the health care system begins to reopen many of its services.

The changes outlined in the virtual new conference on Thursday by AdventHealth leaders will redefine how health care is delivered and experienced throughout one of the nation’s largest health care systems — from hospital inpatients to elective procedures to primary care visits.

Among the new safety measures announced:

All AdventHealth team members and physicians are being tested for COVID-19.

Every patient being admitted or in an observation status, as well as patients undergoing a procedure, will be tested for COVID-19. Only COVID-negative patients will undergo elective procedures at AdventHealth hospitals.

All team members and visitors must wear a surgical/loop mask when in an AdventHealth facility and will be temperature checked when they enter our buildings.

We will resume elective procedures beginning May 4, with time-sensitive cases taking precedence.

Beginning May 4, each patient will be allowed one visitor per day. Visitors will be given temperature checks and masks to be worn while inside the hospital.

Robust cleaning and sterilization/disinfectant processes have been enhanced, and more sanitization stations have been added across the hospitals.

Video visits and expanded telehealth services will be available immediately, as they have been during the pandemic, to lessen the burden on facilities and provide additional comfort and convenience for patients.

Social distancing, masking, and contactless services will become standard practice at AdventHealth Medical Group and Centra Care locations, as well as other outpatient offices. Instead of waiting in crowded offices, where social distancing may present a challenge, patients will use virtual check-in and wait in their vehicles or outside the practice until a room is ready. Check-out procedures may occur completely on a patient’s mobile device, but sometimes could occur in the exam room if there are extenuating circumstances.

Below are additional insights on the latest COVID-19 information, and more details on AdventHealth’s response efforts.

Keeping You Safe

Plan for Florida’s Recovery – Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. – Governor Ron DeSantis’ announced on Wednesday the plan to reopen the state of Florida, which features three phrases. The Re-Open Florida Task Force report containing their recommendations for re-opening the state’s economy can be found here.

Reminder: Community Partner Survey – We invite you to complete the following survey designed to help us gauge important insights and feedback from our community stakeholders. Our hope is to better understand what the transition back to normal might look like for individuals, employers and organizations. Click here to complete the survey.

Keeping You Informed

COVID-19 Testing Sites – AdventHealth will continue to operate community drive-up testing sites throughout Central Florida, and testing continues in hospitals and Centra Care locations. Altogether, AdventHealth has tested more than 51,000 people in Central Florida for COVID-19. This week we launched two new testing sites including Posner Park in Davenport and Flagler County Daytona State College. For a complete list of our testing sites and to book your appointment, please visit AdventHealthCoronaVirusTesting.com. The tests will be available to anyone who meets the criteria for testing, as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A doctor’s order is not required for testing.

Accelerating Innovation

Three of AdventHealth’s convalescent plasma recipients have recovered and been discharged.  Convalescent Plasma Program is a treatment in which plasma from patients who’ve recovered from COVID-19 is transfused into patients who are still fighting the disease. Antibodies in the plasma have the potential to help these patients recover.

Of seven Remdesivir patients, six have been discharged and the seventh patient is improving. Remdesivir is an antiviral drug, originally developed for use against Ebola, is showing promise in COVID patients in preliminary results.

Learn more about these innovative treatments here.

Important Resources

We encourage you to use the following resources for your top COVID-19 questions and concerns:

If you have questions about COVID-19 or wonder if you should be tested, call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747).  You can also find information at www.CoronaVirusSignsAndSymptoms.com.

Donation Hub: 

For ways you can help, including sending notes of encouragement to our caregivers, as well as virtual volunteering opportunities, please click here.

Mental Health – If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional help during this uncertain time, the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community. Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help.

Video Visit Options – AdventHealth Video Visits are available now for primary care, pediatrics and specialty care, as well as physical therapy. In the comfort of your home, you can speak with a medical provider by a video visit or phone call.

COVID-19 Facebook LIVE – AdventHealth Morning Briefing Facebook live series launched this week on the Life at AdventHealth Central Florida Facebook Page. Hosted by Dr. Scott Brady, this live discussion will feature leaders and other physicians from throughout our organization. We’ll address your top questions and share the latest COVID-19 developments. Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. here.