UW Medicine’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reports on our ability to maintain normal operations using a scale from “monitoring” to “high level of activation” based on information about community transmission rates, hospital admissions, staffing capacity, space availability, PPE supplies and other impacts on the health system.
This update provides a quick look at some of the key data used by the EOC to determine UW Medicine’s current level of activation. For more detailed information, you can review the EOC’s situation status reports.
EOC Level of Activation
April 19, 2022: The EOC is at a Low-Mid Level of Activation based on current numbers for COVID-19 admissions, staffing capacity and community transmission. COVID-19 patients represent 2.15% of hospital admissions. UW Medicine hospitals are caring for 25 patients with COVID-19. As of yesterday, 185 employees were on leave due to COVID-19 isolation and quarantine.
UW Medicine COVID-19 Inpatients
Daily Capacity Data Report
The Daily Capacity Data Report shows the total occupancy and the number of COVID-19 patients at each hospital.
King County and Washington State Epidemiology
King County: Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting 385,830 cases and 2,722 deaths as of April 18. The number of new cases over the last seven days is currently at 170.2 per 100,000 people.
Washington: The Department of Health reports 1,477,863 total cases and 12,626 deaths as of April 17.
EOC Priorities
Respirator Use Policy (New): All healthcare workers in UW Medicine clinical facilities (including shared office spaces) are required to wear respirators (N95, PAPR, or CAPR) in place of medical masks. This requirement has been reinstated due to the higher rates of COVID-19 transmission in King County and the increasing number of employees who are in isolation and quarantine for COVID-19 infection or exposure. It will be in effect while needed for the safety of staff, patients and visitors.
Community Transmission Rates (Continuing): The EOC is monitoring transmission rates for potential impacts on hospitalizations. The number of COVID-19 inpatients, while still low, has increased in the past week. The seven-day rate of new cases per 100,000 people in King County has increased from 50.5 on March 21 to 170.2 today.
COVID-19 Therapeutics (Continuing): UW Medicine is assessing demand and adjusting capacity for COVID-19 therapeutics. A self-attestation process has been implemented for eligible patients to request an appointment for Evusheld, a monoclonal antibody therapy for pre-exposure prevention. Workflows are being developed to proactively educate patients about oral antivirals and how eligible patients and healthcare workers can access them following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Stay Informed
In the Media:
- Clinicians grapple with decisions in crisis-care simulation, Dr. Catherine Butler, Nephrology, JAMA Network Open
Ongoing communications:
- Emergency Operations Updates: Scheduled for Tuesdays.
- Dr. John Lynch COVID-19 Update: Scheduled for Thursdays every two weeks.
- Town Halls: Generally scheduled for 3 p.m. on Fridays; Check your email for announcements (recordings available).
- Community Conversations: Check you email for dates and times (recordings available).
- EOC Situation Reports: Posted on the UW Medicine intranet (AMC login required).
- Leadership Messages and Employee Resources: Posted on The Huddle.
Sincerely,
UW Medicine Leadership
