Children's Hospital shares information on COVID-19

As the number of COVID-19 cases grows in the state, Children's Hospital Colorado has implemented visitation restrictions and travel/illness screenings, according to a news release.

Families of patients at Children's may identify up to four caregivers, ages 18 or older, who will be allowed to visit. Only two visitors are allowed at a time.

Parents who must bring in their child for an emergency visit are asked to avoid bringing in additional family members. Limiting the number of visitors to the hospital is one way to limit the spread of illness and keep everyone safe, the release said.

Patients and families also might see doctors and nurses wearing masks and protective equipment. Some of the masks fit over the head and look almost like an astronaut helmet. Staff members wearing the protective equipment can provide the same level of care, according to the news release.

Parents of children with symptoms that could be coronavirus are asked not to go unannounced to a doctor's office, emergency department, hospital or medical facility. Instead, they are asked to call the child's doctor or the hospital's ParentSmart Healthline at 720-777-0123 to get guidance about the right course of action.

In addition, patients are being asked not to come to emergency or urgent care locations unless they are experiencing a medical emergency or are directed to go there by a doctor. This is to help limit the spread of illness in the community, and to allow emergency departments to care for patients with the most critical needs first.

For information about COVID-19 and potential exposure information, call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in both English and Spanish.

Children's Hospital Colorado offers a number of resources for families.

A page of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 can be found at www.childrenscolorado.org/about/news/2020/march-2020/coronavirus.

A video that answer kids' questions about the virus can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSsKQPqpS7A, and a kid-focused hand washing video is available at here..

Charting Pediatrics has a podcast available that provides updates. Go to chartingpediatrics.libsyn.com/coronavirus-sars-cov-2-or-covid-19-important-updates-for-providers-s3e36-0.