TOLEDO, Ohio — ProMedica is responding to rumors circulating online that say its hospitals have patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
"To date, the health departments that serve the communities in which our hospitals sit have had no confirmed novel coronavirus cases," said ProMedica, calling the rumors "pervasive."
ProMedica says it will not be publicly confirming or denying coronavirus cases should they receive any.
"Nor is any ProMedica employee, affiliate or contractor authorized to do so per patient privacy laws, regardless of confirmed cases, unconfirmed cases, or negative cases," said the hospital in a statement.
Read ProMedica's full statement below:
"ProMedica has been made aware of several pervasive rumors being spread that our hospitals have patients diagnosed with #COVID-19. To date, the health departments that serve the communities in which our hospitals sit have had no confirmed novel coronavirus cases. The role of our state and local health departments is to lead efforts to prevent and reduce public health threats and aid the government in tracking and reporting cases. As a health system, ProMedica works with our local health departments to provide relevant information regarding public health threats like novel #coronavirus. ProMedica will not be publicly confirming or denying coronavirus cases should we receive any. Nor is any ProMedica employee, affiliate or contractor authorized to do so per patient privacy laws, regardless of confirmed cases, unconfirmed cases, or negative cases.ProMedica prides itself on providing the highest-possible level of care in the communities we serve. You can help us carry out this mission through responsible information sharing. In an age when information can spread in an instant, we ask that you continue to trust our state and county health departments, CDC, and WHO to provide the most accurate information regarding this situation."
For more information on COVID-19, visit ProMedica's website.
Facts, not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
WTOL 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit wtol.com/section/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 419-248-1100.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
• Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
• Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
