To prepare for the expected surge of coronavirus patients, Main Line Health has launched a command center to coordinate all changes to operations, write Aubrey Whelan and Sarah Gantz for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The health system has a dedicated call line for medical staff with questions, such as where patients should be sent for a coronavirus test.

Additionally, Main Line Health chief medical officer Andrew Norton is conferring frequently with other CMOs in the region to share best practices and coordinate response.

Meanwhile, non-medical employees have been asked to work from home, while meetings of ten or more people are held remotely.

Main Line Health has also restricted visitor access in all its hospitals and is screening patients and approved visitors for respiratory virus symptoms.

The it’s hospital is also evaluating scheduled elective procedures and is canceling or postponing those of lesser urgency.

“Depending on how much community spread we get, we may see patients who feel fine” but are nevertheless carrying the virus, said Norton. “One fewer person in the building is one fewer person who may theoretically be minimally symptomatic but carrying the virus.”

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