It's War. How 5 Healthcare Communities are Preparing for Coronavirus

It's War.

Across the U.S., hospital administrators, support services personnel, and emergency management officials are fighting a battle they're trained to fight. Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is the latest infectious disease enemy, but like any wartime effort, supplies, surges and shortages are making it a challenge. 

In the spotlight are five healthcare communities and how they're preparing. From low-tech best practices to high-tech robots, infection control measures often include special protocols for dealing with bed linen. At some of America's top hospitals, a new kind of linen from Beantown Bedding is being deployed: eco-disposable and laundry-free. 

In the Spotlight:

New York, Surge Capacity: "Hospitals have to muster extra staff, stockpile protective gear, equipment..and arrange myriad details — like...extra sheets."

California, Employing Robots: "At Stanford Health...robots are bringing supplies and linens to the ward."

Massachusetts, A Secret Warehouse: "Outside Boston sits a secret warehouse filled with hundreds of boxes labeled 'pandemic product.'"

North Carolina, Mobile Medical Units: "Supplies also included other such mundane items as folding chairs and tables, disposable pillows, linens, air mattresses and cots."

Michigan, Healthcare Community Prepares for Coronavirus: "Following comprehensive procedures for disinfecting patient rooms and removing/disposing of linens and cubicle curtains."

Other Resources:

WHO (World Health Organization): Infection Prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities (see Laundry and Bedding)

Learn more about eco-disposable Laundry-Free Linens for healthcare and emergency management.