CONTACT: Toya Carmichael – [email protected] or (202) 574-6000
On Saturday, March 14, 2020, the United Medical Center (UMC) Hospital Administration received notification that a UMC staff member has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual has not reported to work at the hospital since Wednesday, March 11, 2020 and is currently at home under self-quarantine. UMC has identified and contacted the few individuals who came in direct contact with this staff person on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 and has recommended they self-quarantine for 14 days. In addition, individuals experiencing worsening symptoms are directed to contact their primary care provider or UMC for examination and appropriate testing.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of UMC, Chairman LaRuby May would like to reassure our staff, patients, visitors, and the public that UMC takes your safety and well-being extremely seriously. We are doing everything possible to prevent a widespread community transmission of the virus. To that end, UMC is temporarily limiting visiting hours and guests. The hospital recently added a separate waiting room and isolated spaces for patients who report to the hospital with flu like symptoms. The hospital has also distributed additional personal protective equipment throughout the hospital to protect staff required to engage in direct contact with patients. Educational information regarding COVID-19 is posted in our lobbies, waiting rooms, and clinical units for visitors and families.
UMC is in constant communication with DC Health and is following the guidance and protocols provided by the agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both clinical and non-clinical staff are undergoing continuous training regarding COVID-19 as new information becomes available and hospital procedures are updated.
For more information on the District’s response to COVID-19 visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/.
For UMC specific inquiries contact: (202) 574-6000, Toya Carmichael, VP of Public Relations / Corporate Secretary.
