As a containment strategy to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 and in keeping with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local health departments, Kettering Health Network will be taking measures to ensure business continuity for services which support our operations.

Click the links below for the latest updates from Incident Command.

Looking for Medical Staff updates? Click here to access the dedicated Medical Staff page.

Latest Updates

September 16

• 3:41 p.m. – Criteria to Remove COVID-19 Patients from Isolation

September 15

• 8:50 a.m. – New Nuclear Medicine Drug Shortage

September 14

• 5:57 p.m. – Transporting Respiratory Specimens through the Tube System

September 10

• 4:13 p.m. – Culinary and Nutrition Services – Staffing and Supply Shortages

September 9

• 4:51 p.m. – Why I Serve: Dr. Hale’s Perspective

September 2

• 5:03 p.m. – N95 Fit Testing Not Required
• 4:47 p.m. – Visitor Mask Policy
• 1:15 p.m. – COVID Testing Update: Pre-Procedural Patients, Employee Health, and the Community

September 1

• 4:17 p.m. – Sue’s Story: Recovering from COVID-19

August 30

• 12:50 p.m. – Kettering Health COVID-19 Plan Available to View
• 11:38 a.m. – Helping Hands Support Needed
• 9:47 a.m. – Pausing Kettering Health Support Groups

August 26

• 5:06 p.m. – Protected Health Information in Teams and Outlook
• 4:50 p.m. – Patient Mask Education In Our Outpatient Care Settings and Emergency Departments
• 4:11 p.m. – Clergy Visitation Policy
• 3:46 p.m. – Updated PPE Guidelines
• 12:12 p.m. – Answering Your Questions: Women’s Health and the COVID-19 Vaccine
• 9:12 a.m. – Documentation of Positive SARS-CoV-2 Test Results

August 23

• 1:55 p.m. – PAPR Cleaning Guidelines
• 10:29 a.m. – COVID-19 Testing Questions
• 10:12 a.m. – Updated Visitor Restrictions Level Black – Effective 8/24

August 20  

• 10:36 a.m. – Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQ
• 9:45 a.m. – Food Deliveries from Outside Locations
• 9:21 a.m. – COVID-19 Testing Update: Pre-procedural Patients and Employee Health

August 18

• 9:37 a.m. – Reminder: Masking and Social Distancing Guidelines for Meetings

August 17

• 4:33 p.m. – Job Shadowing Update

August 16

• 10:01 a.m. – COVID-19 Testing Update

August 13

• 5:30 p.m. – Update: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
• 2 p.m. – New Visitation Levels

August 12

• 11:13 a.m. – Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQ 
• 10:10 a.m. – Share Your Questions: COVID-19 Vaccine and Women’s Health
• 8:25 a.m. – Respirators for EDs and On-Demand Sites 

August 11

• 10:03 a.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Feedback

August 10

• 10:30 a.m. – Pre-Procedural COVID-19 Testing
• 9:30 a.m. – Negative PTO Option Available

August 5

• 4:30 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

August 3

• 4:44 p.m. – Updates to Visitor Policy
• 11:20 a.m. – Mask and Social Distancing Guidelines for All Facilities

July 20

• 11:40 a.m. – Current Mask Requirements for Healthcare Facilities

July 16

• 11:30 a.m. – Employee Vaccination Status FAQ

July 9

• 9:00 a.m. – OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard

June 7

• 9:27 a.m. – Self-service Food Updates

June 3

• 10:51 a.m. – Safety Practices Update Effective June 3

May 19

• 11:11 a.m. – New Mask Guidelines for Administrative Buildings

May 14

• 12:52 p.m. – Mask Policy

May 12

• 2:38 p.m. – COVID-19 Testing Site Changes and Drive Thru Closure

May 7

• 12:45 p.m.- COVID-19 Vaccines Transition to On-Demand Care

May 6

• 9:15 a.m. – New COVID-19 Drive-thru Hours  

April 27

• 3:58 p.m. – KHN COVID-19 Testing Protocol Update

April 21

• 12:10 p.m. – COVID-19 Epic Update

April 19

• 8:00 a.m. – New COVID-19 Drive-thru Hours 

April 16

• 8:45 a.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments – Please Share

April 8

• 4:57 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine – Employee Update  
• 4:43 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available – Help Stop the Spread 

April 5

• 12:20 p.m. – Vaccine Appointments Now Open for the Week of April 5

April 1

• 1:01 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine – Employee Update

March 30

• 10:10 a.m. – Negative PTO Bank Option Ending

March 26

• 2:24 p.m. – Algorithm for Admission to Kettering Behavioral Medicine Center

March 25

• 4:00 p.m – Community Vaccine Clinics – Age Requirements Update

March 22

• 3:37 p.m. – Job Shadowing to Resume – Corrected Link
• 9:49 a.m. – Pre-procedural Testing

March 18

• 3:46 p.m. – Community Vaccine Clinics – Next Week Schedule Open

March 17

• 1:46 p.m. – Job Shadowing to Resume

March 12

• 4:16 p.m. – Updates to Visitor Restrictions
• 12:00 p.m. – Community Vaccine Clinics – Next Week Schedule Open
• 10:57 a.m. – Vaccine Transportation Assistance

March 9

• 11:00 a.m. – Kettering Behavioral Medical Center Visitor Restriction Change

March 8

• 3:00 p.m. – Qualified Workers COVID-19 Vaccinations
• 10:46 a.m. – New Community Vaccine Clinic in Xenia

March 1

• 2:31 p.m. – Attendance Guidelines Effective 3-1 for All Employees

February 25

• 2:30 p.m. – Return to Self-Service Food Stations

February 22

• 1:56 p.m. – Community Vaccine Clinics – New Patient Qualifier Updates
• 10:26 a.m. – Changes to Southview and Huber COVID-19 Drive-thru Schedules

February 16

• 5:27 p.m. – Visitation for Patients Suspected of or Diagnosed with COVID-19

February 11

• 3:36 p.m. – Kettering Health Network Continuing Guidance on PPE and Social Distancing

February 10

• 9:35 a.m. – Updated COVID-19 Screening Drive-thru Hours

February 8

• 11:45 a.m. – Community Vaccination Clinic and Call Center Expansion Updates

February 5

• 4:06 p.m. – Resuming Normal Employee Health Operations
• 2:26 p.m. – Vaccination for Employees and Providers

February 3

• 11:29 a.m. – Community Vaccine Clinics Updates
• 10:44 a.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine for Inpatients
• 9:36 a.m. – Bamlanivimab Form – Epic Order Updated

February 2

• 9:50 a.m. – Return to Permanent Dishware on COVID-19 Units Effective 2/2/2021

January 30

• 10:18 a.m. – Additional Info: Updated Bamlanivimab Form 

January 29

• 5:26 p.m. – 3M Mask Update
• 11:50 a.m. – Updated Bamlanivimab Form 

January 28

• 4:29 p.m. – KHN Guidelines Regarding Masks
• 3:47 p.m. – Employee Vaccinations Available Through County Public Health Departments

January 27

• 11:03 a.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Second Dose Reminder

January 26

• 1:30 p.m. – Vaccine Clinic – New Dayton Location Open 

January 25

• 11:17 a.m. – Visitor Restrictions – Effective January 27

January 20

• 3:48 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Second Dose Reminder

January 15

• 3:00  p.m. – Visitor Restrictions Changing – Effective January 18

January 14

• 12:33 p.m. – Community COVID-19 Vaccinations

January 13

• 9:26 a.m. – First Dose Vaccine Clinics Close January 17

January 11

• 4:26 p.m. – COVID-19 Testing Site Changes for Troy Market ONLY
• 3:40 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccinations Outside of Kettering Health Network

January 8

• 2:22 p.m – Employee Health Reminders 
• 2:05 p.m. – Revised Visitor Policy for COVID-19 Positive Maternity Patient
• 12:55 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Fast Facts

January 4

• 9:55 a.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

December 30

• 12:57 p.m. – N-95 Fit Testing FAQ

December 29

• 4:37 p.m. – Updated COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

December 28

• 5:09 p.m. – Resources for COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
• 2:01 p.m. – Guidelines and Best Practices for N-95 Use

December 27

• 4:06 p.m. – Now Live: COVID-19 Vaccine Appeals

December 23

• 4:21 p.m. – Coming Soon: COVID-19 Vaccine Appeals
• 1:18 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

December 21

• 10:25 a.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Update

December 18

• 11:55 a.m. – Reminder: Take the COVID-19 Vaccine Survey

December 17

• 3:35 p.m. – Updated PPE Guidelines
• 1:00 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Survey

December 16

• 12:00 p.m. – Holiday Hours for COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing

December 15

• 4:53 p.m. – PPE Requirements
• 4:08 p.m. – Employee Health Call Center Now Available

December 11

• 12:31 p.m. – COVID-19 Vaccine Update
• 9:35 a.m. – Temporary Approval of Envo Masks

December 8

• 2:15 p.m. – Disposal of Isolation Gowns, Reusable Isolation Gowns, and Soiled Scrubs 

December 7

• 4:40 p.m. – COVID-19 Testing for ECF/SNF Patients
• 1:59 p.m. – myHR Notice – Email inbox restored
• 11:31 a.m. – Reminder: PTO Cash Out Application Deadline

December 4

• 10:10 a.m. – Updated Criteria for Removing Patients from COVID-19 Isolation and Designated Units

December 2

• 4:00 p.m. – COVID-19 Capacity Staffing Incentives
• 10:30 a.m. – Criteria for Removing Patients from COVID-19 Isolation and Designated Units
• 10:00 a.m. – Criteria for COVID-19 Isolation and Designated Unit Placement

November 30

• 2:17 p.m. – Visitor Restriction Update
• 11:51 a.m. – myHR Notice – Email Inbox is Down
• 9:45 a.m. – Employee Support for PTO

November 24

• 4:25 p.m. – Holiday Hours for COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing

November 23

• 3:53 p.m. – Staffing Support Surveys
• 10:33 a.m. – Goggles or Face Shields for Employees

November 19

• 5:29 p.m. – Appointments Required for COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing
• 11:40 a.m. – N95 Fit Testing Link

November 18

• 3:22 p.m. – N95 Fit Testing Email for Employees
• 3:30 p.m. – Vaccine Update

November 17

• 11:00 a.m. – Employee COVID-19 Testing Results

November 16

• 11:00 a.m. – Quarantined Email Traffic
• 9:49 a.m. – Conference Rooms to Support Employee Breaks

November 13

• 6:06 p.m. – Plasma Process Due to Downtime
• 10:24 a.m. – PAPR Hood Conservation

November 4

• 5:11 p.m. – Visitor Restriction Update

October 30

• 10:30 a.m. – Stop the Spread: Be smart. Be safe.

October 27

• 5:17 p.m.- Inpatient Rehab Visitor Hours

October 23

• 10:34 a.m. – Transport of Laboratory Specimens from Patients with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Infection 

October 22

• 10:12 a.m. – COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing Update

October 15

• 12:34 p.m. – Network Recommendations – Repeat SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Patients with a Documented Prior Infection

October 8

• 9:50 a.m. – Updated Screening Process for Employees and Physicians

October 2

• 11:52 a.m. – Safety First Reminders

September 8

• 8:01 a.m. – Update to Screening Process for Administrative Facilities Only

September 1

• 10 a.m. – Travel Update

August 24

• 9:26 a.m. – Masks with Exhalation Valves or Vents

August 18

• 4:41 p.m. – Visitor Restrictions Update

August 5

• 11:57 a.m. – New Alcohol Disinfecting Wipes
• 9:43 a.m. – Updated Visitor Restrictions Effective 8-6-2020

July 30

• 2:48 p.m. – Guidelines for Patients and Visitors Refusing to Wear a Mask

July 28

• 1:40 p.m. – Non-Patient Facing Employees Mask Update
• 1:18 p.m. – Ohio Travel Advisory
• 11:21 a.m. – Now Available – COVID-19 Self Checker
• 9:37 a.m. – Network Adopting New CDC Recommendations for Non-Test Based Strategy 

July 24

• 11:54 a.m. – Kettering Health Network’s Guidance of PPE for Kettering Physician Network and Other Outpatient Areas

July 23

• 8:36 a.m. – Network Guideline for Mask Exemption

July 22

• 1:38 p.m. – COVID-19 Employee Assistance Fund Update

July 16

• 1:10 p.m. – Optional N95 for Direct Patient Care Employees

July 13

• 9:33 a.m. – Employee Screening

June 23

• 2:12 p.m. – Kroger Health to Offer Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Testing Site in Dayton

June 22

• 9:45 a.m. – Conference Room Usage Guidelines

June 19

• 4:18 p.m. – Network Operations Command Center Clarification
• 11 a.m. – Incident Command Stand Down
• 9:37 a.m. – Importance of Continuing Safe Practices
• 9:12 a.m. – Removing COVID-19 Confirmed Flags from Epic Storyboard

June 17

• 8:20 a.m. – Huber Health Center Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing

June 15

• 8:05 a.m. – Mask Storage Update

June 12

• 7:40 a.m. – Safety First: Supplies in Patient Rooms 

June 9

• 5:44 p.m. – Removing Inpatients and Returning Patients from Isolation and Resolving Epic Flags for Confirmed COVID-19

June 4

• 9:44 a.m. – Network Expanding COVID-19 Testing
• 7:25 a.m. – Resuming Normal Employee Health Operations

June 1

• 9:27 a.m. – Safety First Product Update: Do Not Discard empty Oxivir Spray Bottles

May 29

• 7: 52 a.m. – Network Gyms to Remain Closed

May 27

• 11:53 a.m. – YMCA Child Care Subsidy Continues Through June 19

May 26

• 3:23 p.m. – New FAQ Section on k-news site

May 22

• 2:01 p.m. – Travel Guidance for Employees

May 21

• 8:04 a.m. – Safety First Cleaning: Product Update

May 20

• 8:12 a.m. – Approved Clipboard Types

May 18

• 3:50 p.m. – Updated Visitor Restrictions Effective May 19

May 13

• 8:23 a.m. – Masks for Behavioral Health Patients – Updated

May 8

• 2:20 p.m. – Reminder: Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Refills
• 2:14 p.m. – Vendors and Supply Partners Update

May 7

• 9:42 a.m. – Mandatory Quarantine Extension Through May 29
• 8:48 a.m. – Safety First Cleaning and Patient Messaging
• 8:08 a.m. – Masks for Behavioral Health Patients

May 5

• 3:10 p.m. – RAPID Test (Nasal Swab) for Coronavirus Specimen Test
• 3:01 p.m. – Nasopharyngeal Swab for Coronavirus Specimen Test

May 1

• 6:29 p.m. – Expiring Mandatory Quarantine Program Extension
• 10:03 a.m. – New Mask Updates for Patients, Visitors, and Staff

April 30

• 8 p.m. – Process for Obtaining COVID-19 Testing Results from Kroger/KHN Drive-through Testing Clinics
• 9:07 a.m. – Further Clarification of PPE to Use for Cardiac Arrest in the Hospital Setting

April 29

• 4:57 p.m. – Handsewn Masks Request
• 4:30 p.m. – HealthStream Assignments Updated
• 7:44 a.m. – 120-Day Extension for Resuscitation Results

April 28

• 9:33 a.m. – COVID-19 Employee Support and Concerns
• 8:41 a.n. – Use of Gloves by Staff and Visitors to Kettering Health Network Facilities
• 8:26 a.m. – Mandatory Safety-first Education Assignment

April 24

• 7:28 p.m. – Employee Testing for COVID-19
• 4:37 p.m. – Coping with Stress During COVID-19
• 4:34 p.m. – Clarification for Students

April 22

• 8 a.m. – Kroger Health to Offer COVID-19 Testing at Kettering Health Network

April 21

• 5:56 p.m. – Health Care Workers Appreciation Display

April 17

• 6:46 p.m. – Update: Code and Intubation Protocols During COVID-19
• 11:11 a.m. – Free Dietitian-led Telenutrition Services During COVID-19
• 8:33 a.m. – COVID-19 Workforce Survey

April 16

• 7:56 p.m. – Updated Discharge to Post-Acute Facilities Criteria
• 7:51 p.m. – Mask Wearing FAQs for All Staff and Providers

April 14

• 6:08 p.m. – Mask Wearing Now Required for Health Care Personnel

April 10

• 5:22 p.m. – Acceptance of Patient Property at Screening Station
• 4:15 p.m. – Clarification for Mask Expectations
• 7:43 a.m. – COVID-19 in Epic Storyboard

April 9

• 7:07 p.m. – COVID-19 Support Time and Attendance Tracking Documentation
• 6:43 p.m. – Getting Your Prescribed Medications

April 8

• 7:01 p.m. – PPE Expansion
• 4:42 p.m. – Screening Temperature Process

April 7

• 5:03 p.m. – UPDATE: Isolation Gown Conservation Strategy

April 6

• 5:02 p.m – “Film Your Hospital” Awareness
• 1:22 p.m. – Network Media Policy
• 11:06 a.m. – Collection of Used N95 Masks for Reprocessing
• 9:41 a.m. – Updated Visitor Restriction Policy Effective April 6

April 5

• 4:21 p.m. – Capturing Used N95 Masks for Reprocessing
• 3:44 p.m. – Update to Care of Deceased Patients with COVID-19 or Deceased Person Under Investigation (PUI)
• 1:47 p.m. – Collection of N95 Masks
• 1:30 p.m. – Room Logs No Longer Needed

April 4

• 7:39 p.m. – Mask Cover Clarification
• 5:49 p.m. – PPE Guide for N95 Masks (Video)

April 3

• 7:14 p.m. – Nasopharyngeal Specimen Collection with Swab Technique
• 3:36 p.m. – Cleaning Disposable Stethoscopes
• 3:25 p.m. – Clergy Visitation Policy

April 2

• 7:31 p.m. – Morgue Overflow Process
• 6:37 p.m. – Clarification Regarding Wearing of Surgical Masks and N95 Respirators
• 9:20 a.m. – 60-Day Extension for Resuscitation Credentials (BLS/ACLS/ALS) Due in March or April 2020

April 1

• 7 p.m. – Personal Protective Equipment Update
• 6:37 p.m. – Distribution of Network-issued Isolation Masks
• 4:37 p.m. – Accepting Food Donations During COVID-19
• 11:44 a.m. – End of Life Visitor Guidelines

March 31

• 5:11 p.m. – Discharge COVID-19 Pending Patients To HOME ONLY

March 30

• 7:47 a.m. – UPDATE: PPE Donation Process

March 29

• 5:40 p.m. – Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Designated Care Unit Telesitter or 1:1 Monitoring

March 28

• 4:38 p.m. – Guidance on Use of Personal Protective Equipment

March 27

• 9:15 p.m. – Mobile Care Transport of Suspected and Confirmed COVID-19 Patients
• 6:50 p.m. – Patient Privacy
• 1:18 p.m. – Update to Visitor Restrictions for Maternity
• 12:40 p.m. – Staffing and Attendance Guidelines for SRO Float Pool
• 12:11 p.m. – Patient Options for Telemedicine
• 7:30 a.m. – Chaplain Chat

March 26

• 7:16 p.m. – PPE and Cleaning for Mobile Health Care Technology in Designated Units/Areas
• 5:14 p.m. – Silica Packets Inside Go Bags
• 11:36 a.m. – Personal PPE for All Personnel

March 25

• 4:17 p.m. – Revision for Waste Removal Process
• 3:54 p.m. – Payer Contract and Discharge Planning Updates
• 1 p.m. – Clarification Regarding Wearing of Masks on Designated Units
• 9:30 a.m. – COVID-19 Employee Support Resources

March 24

• 5:33 p.m. – N95 and Goggle Distribution to Clinical Areas
• 12:59 p.m. – Surgical Mask Covers
• 12:43 p.m. – Employee Notice: PPE Reminders
• 12:28 p.m. – Travel for Essential Personnel during Ohio’s Stay at Home Order

March 23

• 7:14 p.m. – Mask Covers
• 2:19 p.m. – Surgery Consolidation Updates
• 2:14 p.m. – Epic SmartPhrase Designated Unit Discharge
• 2:07 p.m. – Staffing Resource Center Update

March 22

• 9:55 p.m. – Work from Home Bandwidth Guidelines
• 5:52 p.m. – KHN Designated Care Unit Standard Operating Procedures
• 5:08 p.m. – PPE Distribution Protocol
• 11:04 a.m. – Powered Air-purifying Respirators (PAPRs) Plan
• 9:51 a.m. – COVID-19 Employee Screening FAQs

March 21

• 2:49 p.m. – Revised: Isolation Gown Conservation Strategy
• 12:30 p.m. – 24/7 Employee Health Call Center
• 8:30 a.m. – Isolation Gown Conservation Strategy

March 20

• 1:30 p.m. – New Visitor Restriction Policy Effective March 20

March 19

• 7:17 p.m. – Employee Screenings
• 5:26 p.m. – Employee Health COVID-19 Screening Tools
• 5:06 p.m. – COVID-19 Attendance Guidelines
• 3:15 p.m. – Necessary Personal Protective Equipment Sign

March 18

• 5:45 p.m. – Isolation Protocols
• 1:45 p.m. – Personal Protective Equipment for Suspected or Known COVID-19 Patients*
• 12:45 p.m. – List of COVID-19 Testing Sites Southwest Ohio Region #1
• 10:10 a.m. – YMCA Partnership Offers Child Care Services
• 8:51 a.m. – Releasing Medical Records

March 17

• 1:13 p.m. – Meetings in Microsoft Team

March 16

• 6 p.m. – COVID-19 Employee Assistance Fund
• 10:35 a.m. – HIPAA Permitted Disclosures

March 15

• 5:15 p.m. – Child Care Survey
• 2:05 p.m. – Visitor Restriction Policy

March 14

• 3:37 p.m. – Medical Staff Initial Communication

March 13

• 5:38 p.m. – Volunteer Support
• 5:12 p.m. – Vendor Communication
• 4:27 p.m. – Visitor Restriction Policy
• 1:11 p.m. – Job Shadowing

Recommendations

Please help us keep you, your family and your community healthy:

• Do not leave home if you have symptoms of a viral illness such as a cough and/or fever. If you develop a cough and/or fever at home, please see your primary care provider and contact Employee Health.
• If you live with an immunocompromised family member, you need to remember that you could be the transmitter of a viral illness to them. Please take appropriate personal precautions.
• Refrain from hand shaking.
• Practice frequent and proper hand hygiene.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Masks are not recommended as a preventive tactic.

Resources

The CDC has also set up a dedicated website for ongoing COVID-19 information. Click here to view that page.

For general COVID-19 questions, the Ohio Department of Health has set up a hotline to answer questions. The call center is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-427-5634.

Other resources include:

• CDC FAQ for Health Care Professionals
• CDC Guidance for Community and Faith-based Organizations
• CDC Guidance for Households
• CDC Guidance for Mass Gatherings and Large Events
• CDC Guidance for Higher Education
• Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Checklists

Questions

If you still have questions regarding COVID-19, please submit your question via the myHR portal or call myHR at 1-844-235-4647 or ext. 70000.