Updated March 4, 2020, Morristown, NJ – Given the rise of Novel Coronavirus (now called COVID-19) as a global health concern, we want to assure our patients and communities that we are working closely with local, state and federal public health agencies, as well as our own health care professionals, to ensure that Atlantic Health System is prepared.
As always, Atlantic Health System’s top priority is the safety of our patients, communities and health care professionals. Our expert clinicians regularly care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. They are well trained and follow specific procedures using the tools and techniques in place to protect themselves, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). We are drawing on this experience as we continue to prepare and address key issues, including the early recognition and isolation of any patient identified as being potentially at risk for COVID-19. Evaluation of this risk is based on criteria from the CDC, with testing for COVID-19 determined on a case-by-case basis by state and local health officials.
We remind all members of our community that there are everyday preventative actions they can take to help limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and flu.
A few common measures the CDC advises for the general public include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Avoid close contact (6 feet) with people who appear to have a respiratory infection
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
It is also important that if you are having symptoms, please call ahead of your visit to the doctor to communicate travel history and symptoms before arriving, enabling the provider to determine the best setting for you to receive care.
Finally, it is critical that our communities know where to obtain the most accurate and current information from credible sources. The New Jersey Department of Health has a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-222-1222, where trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer questions about COVID-19. The CDC and NIH are also excellent sources for the latest information.
We will continue to provide our community with updates as conditions evolve.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System has a long-standing tradition of providing exceptional patient outcomes and experiences. Home to seven award-winning hospitals including Morristown Medical Center, the number one hospital in NJ according to U.S. News & World Report, Castle Connolly and Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals, the system has been ranked first in New Jersey in consumer preference by Monigle and first among health systems in New Jersey as a “best workplace” by both Modern Healthcare and Fortune Magazine.Many of the system’s programs have received national accolades and designations, including Morristown Medical Center’s Cardiology and Heart Surgery program ranked among the top 30 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report; Morristown Medical Center’s Orthopedics program ranked among the top 35 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and Atlantic Health System’s Cancer Care program, New Jersey’s first and only National Cancer Institute National Community Oncology Research Program. Additionally, Atlantic Health System Neuroscience at Overlook Medical Center, working with Atlantic Mobile Health, was the first in the nation to deploy and use portable Telestroke technology in ambulances for routine pre-hospital assessment of stroke patients.
Powered by a passionate workforce of 17,000 team members and 4,800 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey, including 11 counties and 4.9 million people. The system provides care for the full continuum of health needs across a wide array of settings, including Atlantic Medical Group, one of the largest multi-specialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,000 physicians and providers, 12 urgent care centers, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, Atlantic Home Care and Hospice and Atlantic Anywhere’s Virtual Visits. Facilitating connections between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.
With a clear sense of purpose and an unparalleled culture, Atlantic Health System attracts top leaders in the field of health care, from CEO Brian Gragnolati, who was Chairman of the American Hospital Association in 2019, to the numerous team members who serve as leaders across national clinical associations and research entities.