We're covering the UAB COVID-19 update https://www.facebook.com/UAB.edu/videos/220593159007341/

China closing its borders could slow down PPE supplies coming into the U.S. according to Laura Kowalczyk.

UAB has been looking for alternative sources of PPE.

The current challenge is that UAB needs material on a day to day basis. The greatest need is isolation gowns, procedural masks and N95 respirators.

This need will likely persist into summer and early fall.

UAB has not received a full allocation of needed PPE for several months according to Laura Kowalczyk.

On the danger of healthcare workers reusing PPE: "Our strategy is only on the reuse of N95 respirators," said Kowalczyk.
They can prolong usage to 3-5 times. Other than that there is no reuse of PPE.

Kowalczyk said the slowest material trigger is around the isolation gowns. But they are prepared to find alternatives.

Kowalczyk has not seen any complaints at UAB around PPE usage due to their diligence in ensuring clinicians have what they need to care for patients.

Tyvek paint suites are at the bottom of the list of alternative PPE due to the heat of the suit but they do have an inventory in the event they need to be used.

The benefit Alabama and UAB has had was seeing what happened in other hospitals around the country. They did their best to preemptively sequester a "healthy supply" of PPE.

Dr. Rachael Lee will be sharing the current state of COVID-19.

1.8 million cases of COVID-19 globally.
Over 100,000 deaths globally.

As of today 560,000 cases in the US and 22,000 deaths.

Alabama has had about 3600 cases and close to 100 reported deaths.

Prolonged stay in the hospital often happens due to damage to patients' lungs.

Dr. Lee said we may have to continue physical distancing even after people return to work.

Lee said Birmingham's longer doubling time compared to Mobile's can be credited to Mayor Woodfin and the Jefferson County Health Department's distancing measures. The curve still may not be completely flattened.

Lee says testing needs to be often and frequent. Testing is the number one thing that helps us control a virus.

Lee said the treatment committee for COVID-19 is being careful with hydroxychloroquine. The data is not very supportive in its use in patients with COVID-19.

Remdesivir has seen some positive results but with little data to compare it to.

There is no FDA approved antibody test for COVID-19 specifically. There can be a cross-reaction with other common coronaviruses. There has been not official use of plasma for treatment at UAB.

Lee said right now she cannot make a determination about when things will begin to open back up. The data shows the peak on April 19.

Healthcare workers are advised to change clothes as soon as they get home. Non-healthcare workers should be sure to wash their hands as soon as they get home.

Dr Lee said allowing everyone to wear masks helps protect everybody.

Dr. Lee said she is confident heart patients will be safe when coming to UAB for regular visits.

Dr. Lee said the 1918 flu pandemic came in 3 waves close together. For COVID-19 there may be more cases as physical distancing measures are loosened.

If you have been tracking your symptoms please continue to do so at https://www.helpbeatcovid19.org/