We are happy to continue to report encouraging news: UPMC has not seen the surge in COVID-19 cases that we were prepared to handle. Our system-wide positivity rate for COVID-19 testing was 6.6 percent in the one-week period from April 14 to April 20, and COVID-19 patients are using only 2 percent of beds across UPMC. While this data is promising, we must continue being diligent in our efforts to mitigate the virus. 
 
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, we are committed to providing care for all patients, especially those in need of medically necessary, essential care. As a result, UPMC will offer COVID-19 testing to patients undergoing a scheduled, hospital-based procedure. By testing these patients, we will learn more about the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities, which helps us make informed decisions on patient care and community protection. In the coming month, we also plan to offer patients and health care workers COVID-19 antibody testing. 
 
You should make informed decisions about essential medical care in consultation with your doctor. If you canceled an appointment, diagnostic test, or any other medical procedure out of safety concerns, we recommend you talk with your doctor about whether to proceed with your care.  
 
The COVID-19 curve continues to flatten in our region. As a result, we will no longer send these emails each week. We will, however, continue to communicate new information to you as it becomes available. Our goal is to keep you informed on the latest information around COVID-19.
 
As always, we are here for you, and we thank you for choosing and trusting UPMC.
 

Leslie C. Davis
Senior Vice President, UPMC
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Health Services Division  

Steven D. Shapiro, MD 
Executive Vice President, UPMC
Chief Medical and Scientific Officer
President, Health Services Division

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus. UPMC will gladly accept handmade sewn masks to help ensure that all UPMC patients, visitors, and non-clinical personnel always have access to masks. To contribute, please see our donations page.

Children under age 2 should not wear facemasks or face coverings when out in public. The best way to protect children of all ages from exposure to the virus is to keep them home unless they must go to a doctor’s appointment. Read more.

Social isolation and stress from the pandemic can kick anxiety into overdrive. Jack Rozel, MD, medical director of resolve Crisis Services, talked to Twitter users about how the pandemic can affect people’s mental health. Read the whole chat here.

Do you have flu-like symptoms or concerns about COVID-19 exposure? Use our screening tool today. 
 
If you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus or have symptoms, visit UPMC.com/COVID19 to learn more about care options.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of patients have continued receiving care from the comfort of home by taking advantage of video visits.
 
UPMC offers several convenient ways to connect with your doctors. If you want to schedule a primary care video visit, you can book directly online with many of our providers. 
 
If your primary care physician (PCP) doesn’t appear in the online directory, don’t worry. You can schedule a video visit with your PCP or specialist by contacting your doctor’s office directly or by calling 1-800-533-UPMC.
 
Video visits for pediatric primary care, subspecialty care, and urgent care are available. Learn more at chp.edu/VideoVisits. 

For Lindsay Kennedy, RN, BSN, working on the front lines in the labor and delivery unit at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital during a pandemic isn’t just a job — it’s a personal mission. As a unit director, she’s focused on the health and safety of her staff and patients. And, as an expectant mom who is scheduled to deliver there in August, she takes comfort in knowing procedures are in place to protect everyone.

• UPMC Information on COVID-19
• Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Update
• World Health Organization
• Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Click to subscribe for COVID-19 email updates