GONZALES - Four people were arrested after deputies found men hiding drugs on a sheriff's office vehicle in an effort to sneak them into the Ascension Parish Jail.

The sheriff's office believes the scheme was partially orchestrated by 40-year-old Samuel Cutrer, a trustee at the jail.

Investigators learned a man identified as 35-year-old Brandon Gonzales of St. Amant had placed drugs on a unit driven by a deputy assigned to the jail. The drugs would then be collected by an inmate inside the jail.

On Wednesday, deputies caught Gonzales and another man, identified as 64-year-old Edmond Harris, trying to place the drugs on the APSO vehicle and took them into custody.

The next morning, detectives caught another inmate, 40-year-old Samuel Cappel, trying to retrieve the drugs off the vehicle. Both Cappel and Cutrer were arrested Thursday morning.

Deputies later executed a search warrant of Gonzales' home and found marijuana and other drugs, as well as paraphernalia.

Charges for all four men can be found below.

-Gonzales was arrested and charged with distribution of schedule III CDS, two counts of criminal conspiracy to introduce CDS in a penal facility, simple burglary of a vehicle, two counts of criminal trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts possession of a legend drug, and criminal conspiracy to distribute schedule III CDS.

-Harris was arrested and charged with two counts of distribution of schedule III CDS, criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility, criminal trespass, simple burglary of a vehicle and possession of marijuana.

-Cutrer, was charged with two counts Criminal Conspiracy to Distribution of Schedule III CDS, two counts Criminal Conspiracy to Introduce CDS into a Penal Institution, Criminal Conspiracy to Simple Burglary of a Vehicle, and Criminal Conspiracy to Criminal Trespass.

-Samuel Cappel, of Hammond, was charged with Criminal Conspiracy to Distribution of Schedule III CDS and Criminal Conspiracy to Introduce CDS into a Penal Institution.

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Men allegedly hid drugs on deputy's vehicle to smuggle them into Ascension jail - WBRZ

All Ascension Parish government offices will reopen to the public Monday for normal business hours, but visitors will be required to wear face masks or other face coverings and must employ other social distancing techniques.

Parish President Clint Cointment issued the directive Thursday morning as part of a timeline for changes in parish government operations after Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the easing, starting Friday, of his coronavirus stay-at-home order.

Under what's known as Phase 1, "non-essential" businesses and churches can open at 25% capacity, but they must require social distancing among customers and staff and require employees who deal with the public to wear face coverings. Included in that category of business are gyms, barber shops, hair and nail salons and theaters.

Edwards has said statewide hospitalizations, cases and those with symptoms from the viral illness are declining while efforts to test and trace new cases are expected to increase.

Government leaders in the Baton Rouge area largely welcomed Gov. John Bel Edwards decision to relax a stay-at-home order this Friday, with so

In Ascension Parish, visitors to government offices will be limited to one person per party.Plexiglas dividers have been installed, and parish employees interacting with the public will be wearing face masks.

Our goal is to keep everyone, the public and employees alike, safe and healthy, Cointment said in a statement.

Neighboring Livingston Parish reopened its offices on May 4 with similar measures. Ascension Parish government offices close before noon on Fridays, the first day Phase 1 is set to begin across the state.

The St. Gabriel area in Iberville Parish continues to have the highest number of casesofthe novelcoronavirusof any census tract in the state.

Cointment also added most activities can be carried out by telephone or online and noted that parish employees haven't stopped working during the pandemic.

Parish offices closed to walk-in traffic on March 17 due to the coronavirus outbreak, but many employees continued to work from home. Others remained in the field.

Parish officials encouraged visitors to follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov or on the parish government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AscensionGov/.

Each municipality in the parish is expected to issue its own office procedures.

Government leaders in the Baton Rouge area largely welcomed Gov. John Bel Edwards decision to relax a stay-at-home order this Friday, with so

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Ascension Parish government to reopen offices, with social distancing measures - The Advocate

The Netherlands can look forward to sunny spring weather this week, with maximums climbing every day to a peak on Ascension day on Thursday. On that day thermometers will top 25 degrees in many places, with the southeast of the country even hitting 29 degrees Celsius, Weeroline expects. The weekend will be somewhat cooler, with a chance of showers.

Monday and Tuesday will see plenty of sunshine, with only some cumulus clouds, and maximums between 20 and 23 degrees. Wednesday will also be predominantly sunny, though inland there may be more clouds than on the previous days. The maximum on Wednesday will range between 20 and 25 degrees.

Thursday will be the hottest day of the week. The sun will shine aplenty and maximum temperatures will range between 24 and 28 degrees. The southeast may even see thermometers climb to 29 degrees. "This means that there is a good chance this will be one of the hottest Ascension Days ever measured," the weather service said.

After Ascension Day, the weather will cool down somewhat, with the transition to cooler weather maybe accompanied by some rain and thunderstorms. Maximums will range between 21 and 26 degrees on Friday, and between 17 and 23 degrees the rest of the weekend. The days will be a mix of sunshine and cumulus clouds, with an increasing chance of showers.

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Holiday week to be sunny and warm; Up to 29C on Ascension Day - NL Times

This rendering shows the planned Dell Children's Medical Center, which is being built near the southeast corner of the intersection of Avery Ranch Boulevard and Toll 183A. (Rendering courtesy Ascension Seton)

The new hospital will be built on 34 acres near the southeast corner of the intersection of Avery Ranch Boulevard and Toll 183A in Williamson County. When completed, the new 135,000-square-foot hospital will contain 36 beds, an emergency room, two operating rooms, endoscopy rooms and space for future expansion.

The medical office building will include 60,000 square feet.

Construction is scheduled to begin in February, with a November 2022 completion date, according to the news release.

We are excited about this next phase of growth at Dell Childrens, as we have seen a tremendous need to continue expanding pediatric services since opening Dell Childrens Medical Center in 2007, said Dell Childrens president Christopher M. Born. We remain committed to growing alongside our growing Central Texas communities.

Construction on the new hospital will begin February 2021, and it is expected to open in November 2022.

Dell Childrens Medical Center, located at 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin, additionally announced expansion plans on May 7. The North Austin hospital located in the Mueller development will add a four-story building with 72 beds and space for future services. One floor will each be dedicated to pediatric critical care, hematology/oncology inpatient services and general acute inpatient services. The fourth floor will be used for future expansion, according to the news release.

Three parking garages are also planned for Dell Childrens Mueller campus, which will include a total of 2,600 parking spaces.

Dell Childrens is a division of Ascension Texas, which includes 14 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations across Central Texas.

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Ascension to build new 36-bed children's hospital off Avery Ranch Boulevard in Northwest Austin - Community Impact Newspaper

For the Hub City Times

THORP As part of its reintroduction of services, Ascension Medical Group will relocate its Clark County COVID-19 drive-through testing location from Owen to Thorp, on May 11.

As of Monday, drive-through testing will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. noon, at Ascension Our Lady of Victory Thorp, 704 Clark St., Thorp.

Individuals who wish to be tested at drive-through locations must first be pre-screened by an Ascension Medical Group provider by appointment or virtually using Ascension Online Care.

Those interested in drive-through testing in Thorp can call 715-644-5530 for appointment options. Ascension Online Care is available atascension.org/OnlineCare.

At the testing site, patients will remain in their vehicle at all times.

Nasal swab samples will be collected and sent to a state-approved laboratory for analysis. Patients will be provided this information at the time of testing and instructed to return home and self-isolate for 14 days. Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin will contact patients with results and positive results will be alerted to the Wisconsin Department of Health.

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Ascension Wisconsin moves COVID-19 drive-through testing from Owen to Thorp - Hub City Times

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RACINE Four F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from the Air National Guard are scheduled to perform a flyover above Ascension All Saints hospital at sometime between 5:50 and 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Expect the planes to approach the hospital from the southwest.

The flyover is one of 21 hospital and medical center flyovers in Wisconsin planned for Tuesday as part of the nationwide Operation American Resolve campaign intended to show appreciation for the thousands of heroes on the frontlines, as well as the brave citizens and neighbors who have been battling and supporting the COVID-19 response, the 115th Fighter Wing said in a press release.

Several of the pilots performing the flyovers have spouses working on health care teams, according to Col. Jon Kalberer, 115th Operations Group commander.

Coming together during times of uncertainty is the American way, and the reason that citizen airmen in the Air National Guard serve. We want to show our support for that effort, as we are all in this together, Kalberer stated.

The flyover will be considered part of a regular training and proficiency mission, which is a required training to be completed by pilots to remain up to date on qualifications. The flyover will meet the training requirement of being able to arrive at a location at a precise time.

Continued here:

Flyover planned for Tuesday over Ascension All Saints in Racine, and 20 other state medical centers - Journal Times

To be a fellow worker with God is the highest aspiration of which we can conceive man capable.Florence Nightingale, founder of the modern nursing profession (1820-1910)

Florence Nightingales words echo the Mission, Vision and Values of Ascension nurses across the nation as they answer the call to serve their communities with an incredible strength of healing during these unprecedented times.

Well before this pandemic revealed itself, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) designated 2020 the Year of the Nurse. While this was done largely because 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingales birthday, I cant help but think the WHO and ANA had some level of divine foresight that nursing would further differentiate itself this yearand it certainly has. At this point in time, our often unsung caregivers are now widely recognized as healthcare heroes.

We have seen countless nurses leave their homes to bravely face the greatest global healthcare challenge of our time. We are grateful for and humbled by the unwavering dedication to patient care displayed daily by nurses nationwide as they lead with their fellow caregivers at the front line of this pandemic.

At a time when many patients are alone and isolated from their families, nurses have gone beyond clinical care with simple acts of compassion to brighten long days of solitude, and even fear. Across Ascension St Vincents hospitals, weve seen nurses sing to our patients, pray with our patients and families, play games while in isolation from the other side of a patients glass room door and enable countless virtual visits for patients and families to remain connected. I havenever been more proud to be a nurse, and I have never been more proud to serve the Ministry of Ascension St. Vincents.

We are also grateful for the communities that have stepped up to support and show appreciation to nurses. So many people, both young and old, have showered our nurses with meals, letters, encouraging chalk messages, childrens drawings, and signage around hospital entrances andwalkways for our teams to see and appreciate as they start and finish their shifts.

As it turns out, 2020 truly may be the Year of the Nurse. And as we celebrate Nurses Week, let us remain committed to fearlessly serving those in need, no matter the challenge.

To all nurses Happy Nurses Week and Thank You for making 2020 The Year of the Nurse.

Chris Moore MSN, RN, MBASystem Chief Operating Officer & Chief Nursing Officer Ascension St. Vincents

Link:

From Ascension St. Vincent's: The Year of the Nurse - Trussvilletribune

AUSTIN, Texas We're looking to share more positivity with you, our viewers. So, with this week being National Nurses Week, we wanted to ask some of our Central Texas Nurses to share their good news.

I talked to Lauren Freeman and Krystal McClung from Baylor Scott and White, and then Colby Hutson from Ascension Seton.

First question: What's some good news you've seen out there?

"Probably my favorite thing that's happening so far is there is a group of about five of us that work out with Camp Gladiator," said Freeman.

"H-E-B just delivered 150 bouquets of flowers to all the nurses today," said McClung.

RELATED: Powerful photo from Central Texas hospital gives glimpse into toll of COVID-19

"I think the good news is we're seeing possible antiviral treatments that they're going to start rolling out and testing," added Hutson

Has there been good news that you've seen, I asked next.

"About two weeks ago we received a delivery of pizzas and salads and drinks from a former patient, and it had this really heartfelt note about how we saved his life and made an impact at this time, and at this time how he's really thinking about the nurses that took care of him and helped him recover," said McClung.

Krystal McClung

"And we're seeing good things out of people," said Hutson.

But for Hutson, he was a part of a story of his own, that many looked at as a sign of humanity in these tough times. The photo that said, "Just going to hold his hand for a bit, I don't think he has long."

Colby Hutson

"You were a part of this picture that went viral. Why was that important for you to do?" I asked him.

"I just feel like I was doing, as a nurse, and what I've been taught that's what you do, I work at Seton and we have like a policy, no one ever dies alone, and it doesn't matter any circumstance," he said. "COVID makes it more difficult, but no one dies alone. Someone's going to be there in your room with you."

An incredibly tough, but important policy they have.

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'I don't think he has long.' Ascension nurse behind viral COVID-19 photo speaks out - KVUE.com

Jon Hopkins has launched a new Meditations series and shared its first track listen to Singing Bowl (Ascension) below.

The track was created using vibrations from a 100-year-old singing bowl that Hopkins found in an antique shop in Delhi.

The first version of what became the new track was heard at a 2019 installation at the Helsinki Arts Festival. Listen to the new track below.

Talking about creativity during the coronavirus pandemic, and the process of creating the new track, Hopkins said: Like so many people I felt pretty paralysed by this situation when it first unfolded. All my plans for the year were cancelled, and everything felt so weird and dreamlike. But gradually I found I wanted to create something to find peace and perspective through making music, as I have always done.

It felt beautifully pure to just use one acoustic sound source, and no synths. It was liberating to write something without playing anything on a keyboard to avoid the familiar diatonic scale for the first time, and thus avoid any of my own conditioned playing habits.

Jon Hopkins. Credit: Getty

He added: There was a magic in setting this generative system in motion then just letting the vibrations of this bowl create their own world. I listened to harmonics layering on top of harmonics for hours and was transported.

Singing Bowl (Ascension) appears on a new meditative 24-hour playlist that Hopkins curated for Spotify, which you can listen to here.

Jon Hopkins last shared new music back in February with stripped-back, acoustic track Scene Suspended. It follows 2018 LP Singularity, which NME described as perfectly showcasing the producers painstaking hypnotic mastery.

Excerpt from:

Hear Jon Hopkins new track Singing Bowl (Ascension), the first in a new meditative series - NME

(L-R) Amber and Wendy both following their dreams as a nurse.

(MURFREESBORO) "As early as kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be a nurse," says Wendy Underwood, an RN and team lead in the NICU at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Wendy played "nurse" and wrote about her pretend patients in a little notebook she treasured as a young girl. She would ultimately obtain her nursing education at Columbia State Community College in Franklin.

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During one rotation at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown (then known as Baptist hospital), Wendy was given an impromptu tour of the NICU by a more experienced nurse. "I truly wish I knew that nurse's name, but I can tell you now that she forever changed the course of my career," says Wendy. Wendy felt an immediate tug in heart towards NICU babies and wanted to serve them and their mothers however she could.

Her calling became even more personal when Wendy and her husband became parents themselves. She was still completing nursing school when her daughter Amber was born in 1996 at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, then known as MTMC. Amber was born prematurely and required extra care in the "special care area," a precursor of the NICU. Wendy says that watching the nurses care for her daughter during this stressful time was further confirmation that she was destined to work in the NICU.

Today, Amber is a healthy young adult following in her mother's footsteps by studying nursing at Columbia State. Wendy suspects that, for many nurses: "It's in our blood. I think most of us are born with it."

Further evidence that this calling is all in the family? Amber's great-grandmother on her father's side was a nurse in Rutherford County from 1962 to 1977. Her name was Letisha Breedlove Stoker and her portrait hangs on a wall at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.

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Becoming A Mom Influenced Decision To Be A Nurse - Wgnsradio

GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) (5/5/2020) - An emergency room doctor says the fight against the coronavirus continues, but there are positive signs.

Despite the progress against stopping the spread of COVID-19, he said it's important that everyone take precautions to avoid getting the virus.

The doctor at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township said fewer patients are coming to hospitals, but health officials will get a better feel for the progress in stopping the spread of coronavirus when businesses reopen.

"This is all new to us. I have to admit that, luckily we have never seen anything like this before," said Dr. Muhammad Aboudan, who is the medical director of intensive care units at Ascension Genesys Hospital.

He said the grip of the coronavirus is starting to loosen a bit.

"It's going much better. I honestly think we are now the number of patients decreasing, we are definitely beyond plateauing and flattening the curve," Aboudan said.

Genesee County ranks fifth in the state for the number of positive coronavirus cases and the fourth highest death toll of all the counties.

"Luckily we have less people coming to the hospital positive with COVID which is just great. It's good to see the epidemic is getting under control to be honest with you," Aboudan said.

But just because the number of cases the hospital seeing is going down, he said social distancing, hand washing and staying at home when possible should continue.

Aboudan said COVID-19 is much more contagious than the flu.

"Everybody should take this disease serious. It is affecting young people, elderly, women, children and men, and everyone should be very careful," he said.

He believes the real test will come soon, as Michigan prepares to reopen parts of its economy in the coming days and weeks.

"People start going back to work, partially, this is something to keep an eye on and continue to monitor as people become a little more active," Aboudan said.

He said the development of a vaccine will be key in returning to some sense of normalcy.

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Ascension Genesys doctor: Coronavirus pandemic is starting to ease in Mid-Michigan - ABC 12 News

Gonzales Spring Outdoor Farmers Market open for business

The Gonzales Outdoor Farmers Market is open every Saturday until beginning of August from 7 a.m. to noon at La. 621 and KC Road.

The market is also looking for farmers to sell produce at the weekly market.

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The market is partnering with Tanger Mall to host the event in June and October.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Hwy621OutdoorMarket/

Rural Roots of Jazz

The River Road African American Museum is missing all of its visitors and friends. So, the museum has decided to bring the museum to the public. The museum's newest exhibit is the Rural Roots of Jazz, which explores the talented musicians that came from the River Parishes and the Donaldsonville area.

Over the next few weeks, will share interviews from its founder Kathe Hambrick with various musicians, that have roots back to the River Parishes.

"The Rural Roots of Jazz exhibit at the RRAAM is sure to captivate you when you get a chance to visit again in person, but until then please enjoy the Rural Roots of Jazz virtually," according to a news release.

First up, meet Don Vappie by visitinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw_9CWHtZ54&t=18s.

Due to the coronavirus, the museum is offering tours on an appointment only basis.

Thanks to all our readers who have reached out with well wishes, story ideas and information we can publish to keep everyone informed.

We can't wait to see how everyone celebrated Mother's Day. Please send us photos and info from the big day.

We wanted to remind everyone of our new publication date; which has been moved to Wednesdays.

While there are fewer events to share with our readers, we do want to continue our commitment to spreading the word of news happening despite the closure of schools, churches and business. Please send us photos and information on how your family or organization is dealing with the stay-at-home policy.

Email ascension@theadvocate.com or call (225) 603-1998.

We're working from home, like most of you, but we are on the job.

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Around Ascension for May 6, 2020 | Ascension - The Advocate

Arn Anderston claims The Ascension were victims of Vince McMahon's intentions to see them buried.

Former WWE producer Arn Anderson has spoken about Vince McMahon's treatment of The Ascension, claiming the WWE chairman tried burying the tag team after they were promoted to the main roster.

The former NXT Tag Team Champions won 11 consecutive matches after their Raw debut in late 2014, a streak which saw them beat the New Age Outlaws at the Royal Rumble in 2015.

Previously:Wrestlers React & Bid Farewell To Released WWE Superstars

The good times were short-lived, however, as they would be embarrassed by three legendary teams including nWo, Farooq & Bradshaw and Road Dogg & Billy Gunn during an episode of Raw that same year.

Anderson, who was at WWE at the time, said the tag just wasn't going to have that great of a gimmick as announcers were instructed to bury them and compare them to The Road Warriors.

Why would you take any character that is on our show that the company professes to being the number one wrestling company, or the number one sports entertainment company in the entire world, and put them on our TV show with valuable TV time and bury them, have the announcers bury them? Anderson said on his ARN podcast recently (H/T Sportskeeda.com).

Asked specifically if McMahon would have been the one to make that decision, Anderson said the promotion's owner is always the one who has the final say when it comes to characters and their gimmicks.

Sure. Everything character-wise passes by the big chair," he said. "If its the last place they go, it goes by the big chair for approval. Make no mistake, characters, angles, you name it.

The tag team was eventually released by WWE, with their final match taking place last April. They were let go in December after eight months of inactivity.

They would join the independent circuit shortly after.

Next:Arn Anderson Claims Cesaro Isn't Liked By WWE Management, Company Banned His Most Impressive Moves

Source: ARN podcast (H/T Sportskeeda.com)

Chris Jericho Recalls How Furious He Was After His WrestleMania 18 Paycheck

Kavan is a freelance writer for TheSportster who also contributes to TheRichest and HotCars. A huge Chelsea and Miami Heat fan, Kavan also enjoys watching pro wrestling, boxing and MMA. When away from the keyboard, Kavan is very likely to be found in the gym or fiddling with a video game controller.

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Arn Anderson Says Vince McMahon Had Announcers Bury The Ascension - TheSportster

Ascension Medical Group has added additional COVID-19 drive-through testing locations. In addition to Rhinelander, Crandon and Plover, Ascension has added Tomahawk and Woodruff testing sites.

Individuals who wish to be tested at drive-through locations must first be pre-screened by an Ascension Medical Group provider by appointment or virtually.

The screening involves a series of questions about symptoms, travel history and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Patients who meet the criteria, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, will schedule an appointment for drive-through testing.

Nasal swab samples will be collected and sent to a state-approved lab for analysis. Patients will be directed to return home and self-isolate for 14 days. Ascension will contact patients with results; positive results will be sent to the appropriate public health departments.

According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms seen with the infection with COVID-19 are not specific, with cold-like symptoms in mild cases. Symptoms could include a fever, along with cough and shortness of breath. If someone is elderly or has other medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or cancer, they may get sicker from the virus and develop pneumonia or other lung problems. For more information on COVID-19, please visit cdc.gov.

There also is an Ascension COVID19 Hotline set up for those who have general questions about COVID-19. The toll-free number for Wisconsin is 1-833-981-0711. Access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension, including an online assessment tool is available here.

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April 2, 2020 Ascension adds drive-through testing sites - Starjournalnow

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MILWAUKEE -- "If I become sick, I don't want to even say anything," one nurse said.

In that single sentence, she summarized what seven Wisconsin nurses, doctors, and medical assistants spent hours describing to FOX6. The employees, who work for various area health systems, expressed fear that their employers' policies will discourage sick medical professionals from staying home, while encouraging the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, health system administrators say they're trying to protect their workers while ensuring they have enough staff to respond to the current health crisis.

"My number one concern is obviously the safety of the public," the nurse said.

'How would I know?'

"I'd been controlling the fever pretty much with Tylenol and ibuprofen, but I was still getting night sweats," an Advocate Aurora medical assistant said. "And then I was actually short of breath."

It took the medical assistant four days to get tested for COVID-19, and four more to receive the negative results.

"But they did say since I had a little bit of a cough, I had to remain home until I was three days symptom-free without any fever control medications," he said, adding that he used ten days of personal time off, or PTO, during the time he followed instructions and stayed home.

"I just said, 'Hey this is what happened and I'm just looking to see if I can get time back for the quarantine pay,'" the medical assistant said. "And the response was, 'Did you have a confirmed work case exposure?'"

"How would I know?" he asked.

How it works

Employees gave FOX6 copies of Advocate Aurora, Froedtert Health, Froedtert South, and Ascension policies about COVID-19 leave. The pandemic is forcing health systems to change their policies frequently, sometimes daily, but employees provided the most up-to-date paperwork they had.

While the health system leave policies differ in several ways, each outlined a manner in which employees would be paid if exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case on the job.

But with strict restrictions on who can get tested for COVID-19 and delays in receiving test results, health care workers say they're usually unsure if, when, or where they were exposed. That means medical professionals who show symptoms of COVID-19 could end up at home using PTO or going without pay.

What's the big deal?

If sick leave is meant to be used when employees are sick, why does it matter if doctors, nurses, and medical assistants need to use that leave when exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms from unknown sources?

Every health care worker who spoke to FOX6 expressed concern that, in this pandemic, requiring medical professionals to use their often-limited PTO or go without pay will discourage them from staying home if they're sick, and instead encourage the spread of COVID-19 to their vulnerable patients.

The policies

Advocate Aurora's policy dated March 30, 2020 says employees receive "quarantine pay" if exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case at work. "Personal exposure" requires the use of PTO; employees are permitted to "borrow" against future PTO. Previous versions of the policy specified that employees would need to take unpaid time off in the absence of PTO.

Froedtert South, which includes Froedtert Kenosha Hospital and Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospial, has a policy saying employees who test positive for COVID-19 due to workplace exposure will be asked to fill out a worker's compensation claim, while employees with COVID-19 symptoms will "follow standard call-in/attendance procedures.

The policy says employees who test positive for COVID-19 from "personal exposure" and are not eligible for benefits will be unpaid.

"If I call in and tell you I have a sore throat or a cough, I get quarantined for 14 days without pay," a Froedtert South nurse said. "So there are many people that are the sole breadwinners of their family. So do you really think they're going to tell the truth and say, `Uh, yeah I'm not feeling very well?'"

"It will spread," a different Froedtert South nurse said. "A hundred percent. Because we're not being tested and we're not being compensated if we get infected. So who wants to go up there and be like, 'Oh, I feel like I have shortness of breath and I woke up today with a fever and it's kind of hard for me to breath,' when I know I'm going to be sent home without pay? People are going to come to work and it's going to spread."

"Were not protected in that sense," she continued. "And that is scary. That is downright scary."

Froedtert Health, which includes Froedtert Hospital, Froedtert West Bend Hospitals, and Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital, has different human resources policies. Those documents say staff will continue to receive full pay if they test positive for COVID-19 or are quarantined, but the paperwork provided to FOX6 does not detail what happens to employees who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

Ascension's policy says employees are paid for work-related exposure, and use a combination of PTO and/or short-term disability for "social-related" exposure.

None of the health system policy documents provided to FOX6 specify exactly how the workplaces will determine whether an employee's potential COVID-19 exposure is work-related.

"How are we supposed to feed our kids, our family?" a Froedtert South nurse asked. "Pay our mortgage, our bills? Buy food? Everybody there wants to protect the public. But unfortunately, we just arent having the means presented to us."

Health systems respond

FOX6 asked Advocate Aurora, Ascension Wisconsin, Froedtert Health, and Froedtert South for copies of their most updated COVID-19 leave policies. None of the health systems provided the documentation, nor did they answer specific questions about how those policies work.

Instead, company spokespeople sent statements outlining how they are trying to provide additional resources for their employees during the pandemic. Employees who work closely with administrators but were not authorized to talk to the press about this issue emphasized the difficult balance of protecting employees and ensuring there are enough staff members to handle future predicted surges in COVID-19 cases.

An Aurora Advocate spokesperson said:

"We are grateful for the unwavering commitment of our team members during this public health crisis. Our approach to supporting team members who need to be away from work continues to evolve as the crisis unfolds. The care of our team members is always top of mind, and weve made available a number of resources and introduced new programs, including an enhanced PTO policy and an innovative partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, to support them during these challenging times."

An Ascension Wisconsin spokesperson emailed:

"The safety of our patients and caregivers is our utmost priority as we all work to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and care for all those in need. As cases of COVID-19 increase, Ascension Wisconsin continuestoaggressively respondtothis evolving situationtoensure we are protecting our patients, associates and the communities we serve. We are constantly reassessing and updating our policies and guidelinesin accordance with CDC recommendations."

"As part of our commitment toour associates, Ascension Wisconsin is helping associates who are requiredtowork during this national crisis who may have additional unexpected dependent care needs during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Ascension Wisconsin Foundations has developed a statewide resource for all Ascension Wisconsin associates who areinneed of childcaretoconnect themto those needed and available resources."

In an email, a Froedtert Health spokesperson outlined efforts to expand the number of staff working from home, create a platform to connect employees with child care, and provide additional resources for mental health and emotional health needs.

Froedtert South did not respond.

"I used to be in the military, I get the whole situation," the Advocate Aurora medical assistant said. "They need to have the people they need to do the work. But they also need to protect the people who do the work."

43.038902-87.906474

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Wisconsin health care workers worry limited access to paid leave will allow COVID-19 to spread - WITI FOX 6 Milwaukee

Facebook pages and groups have been created to provide networking opportunities among Ascension Parish residents.

During a time of social distancing, many are utilizing social media to keep in touch during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facebook pages and groups have been created to provide networking opportunities among Ascension Parish residents.

Save Ascension Businesses, with some 800 followers, was created by St. Amant Fire Chief and Constable James E. LeBlanc as a platform to support local businesses during the economic downturn.

Local businesses are the heartbeat and backbone of small towns like our own, and they need our help in times like these, the pages pinned post read.

Daily posts feature a variety of businesses from around the parish, sharing special offers and inventory updates.

Louisiana has 437,437 small businesses, which account for 99.5 percent of the state's businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The state has 917,466 small business employees, a representation of 53 percent of Louisiana's employees.

Aside from promoting small businesses in the area, others have been sharing general information of interest to locals.

COVID-19: Surviving in Ascension Parish was created to provide networking, resources, and moral support. It had more than 1,750 members over the weekend.

Mary Wesley Babin and Buddy Legnon serve as administrators for the group.

"Buddy and I have tried to keep this site very clean and informative," Babin said. "It's been a pleasure having everyone on this site."

One member has posted a prayer every day for members, she said.

Also, the group plans on holding a drawing for an Ascension Parish family or single parent currently unemployed.

"We will be giving away some seasoning, groceries, and essentials," Babin said.

Tara Broussard said the group is the only one she uses for local information on coronavirus.

Though some comments to posts have been snippy, overall she's found the group informative and encouraging.

"No group is perfect, and I don't expect it to be," she said.

Lori Thacker said she follows just one group to avoid an overload of coronavirus information.

"I've learned a lot about COVID-19 and how it's affecting my community. This is the only group like this I'm in," she said.

Jenny Brignac Kocke has been impressed with the level of civility of the members.

"It's probably one of the most civil ones in all of Facebook!" she said. "Which isn't an easy task. It's very informative, as well as helpful."

Lydia Brown also found the group's posts helpful.

"I get a lot of information here," she said.

Belinda Guillot and Cathryn Stanley both agreed that the group was a great resource.

"It keeps those in our area on top of the latest information," Stanley said.

This group is very informative, and I like that its local, Kari Millet added.

Deanna Roberts Bourgeois has been checking in every day.

"Using technology to stay connected as a community can be powerful," she said.

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Ascension residents turn to social media in time of social distancing - Weekly Citizen

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Head Coach Lonny Landry talking with player as the Ascension Blue Gators take on Holy Savior Menard in game two of the semi final round of the LHSAA playoffs. Sunday, May 5, 2019.(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/THE ADVERTISER)

The Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators baseball lost several talentedseniors from last season's Division III state runner-up team, including ace pitcher Sean Michael Brady.

However, the Blue Gators came out of the gate strong with a young group that featured only one senior in the starting lineup, and compiled an 8-1 record.

But their promising season along with every other spring sports team in the area was suspended due to COVID-19.

The Blue Gators were on the field when they found out about the suspension, and it may have very well been the last time they stepped onto the field this season.

We had to stop playing and never got an opportunity to finish,"Blue Gators head coach Lonny Landry said. "We have a young group that plays hard. They haven't received interest yet, but they have the ability to play at the college level. Their play on the field determines if they get offered or not."

Blake Pearson at the plate as Ascension Episcopal takes on St. Thomas Aquinas in the semi final round at the LHSAA State Championship. Wednesday, May 8, 2019.(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network)

The Blue Gators are doing all they can to stay in shape.

More: High schools prepare for trickle-down effects of extra NCAA eligibility

"Theyve been working out at home, kind of coaching themselves, but its completely different than being supervised," Landry said."We were playing really well with a young group of kids who were competing their tails off."

The key senior leader for the Blue Gators was pitcher/outfielder Blake Pearson, who may have played his final baseball game.

"Blake was our only senior starter," Landry said. "He's going to medical school and was just playing for the love of the game."

Pearsonwas the leader of the Blue Gators' pitching staff so far with a perfect record at 3-0, and hewas complemented by sophomore pitchersLogan Overton and Hayden Cormier.

"Loganwas getting stronger and stronger every time he got on the mound," Landry said. "It's a shame that he'llhave to basically start from zero again, workload-wise, but everyone will be in the same boat. Haydendid a great job in relief."

More sports: Pandemic a serious issue for Westminster athlete born with impaired immune system

The Blue Gators were also off to a strong start offensively with a young lineup which included freshman BlaiseBlancher, sophomore Barrett Hebert and junior Preston Ocmand.

"Blaise Blancer's a freshman, and it's his second year starting," Landry said. "He's got potential to play college baseball. We've also had strong play from sophomore first baseman Barrett Hebert and junior Preston Ocmand, who's our leadoff hitter.It'stough that they're missing out on valuable reps and just being seen."

Preston Ocmand throws down to first as Ascension Episcopal falls to Calvary Baptist Championship round at the LHSAA State Tournament. Monday, May 13, 2019.(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network)

Even if the Blue Gatorscan't get back to playing this season, Landry'sproud of his young team's efforts and is excited about their potential for the future.

"The guys did a great job this offsesaon," Landry said. "If it doesn't happen this year, we'll just have to get back to playing this summer to get ready for next season."

Read next: Breaux Bridge baseball still hoping to find redemption

Spencer Urquhart covers high school sports for The Daily Advertiser. Email him at surquhart@theadvertiser.com and follow him on Twitter @surquhart98.

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Ascension baseball team trying to make the best of downtime - Daily Advertiser

Dr. Allison Bollinger who oversees 150 emergency departments in Middle Tennessee and beyond

Front-Line Hero "Q and A" with Dr. Allison Bollinger who serves as Vice President of Emergency Services for Ascension and lives in Nashville.

Q: For you as a healthcare worker, what does this pandemic feel like?

A: I have a unique role because I oversee 150 emergency departments across Ascension and I also work clinically in the ER as an Emergency Department physician. Preparing all of our Emergency Department's for the surge of patients that we predict to see is very overwhelming. Some of our ministries are already dealing with that surge, and hearing their stories is very concerning. The Emergency Department's in Tennessee have not experienced that surge yet, so there is an uncomfortable anticipation as we await the surge to happen to us. We are rapidly preparing here for what we expect to see very soon.

Q: What are you doing to keep yourself safe?

A: My family and I are staying at home. We order food and groceries. We are not interacting with others, except virtually. We have to set an example for the rest of our friends, families, and neighbors. With a surge expected in TN in the next few weeks, now is the most pivotal time for us to decrease the number of people who are contracting this virus.

Q: Healthcare workers are being called "unsung heroes" by many; how does that make you feel?

A: I don't deserve that title. I am working from home for the most part. I work very few clinical Emergency Department shifts. I am safe most of the time and have time to replenish and recover in between shifts. The real heroes are the ones who are putting in long hours regularly on the front line. The doctors, advanced practice providers, nurses, techs, and support staff (like transport and environmental services) who are subjecting themselves to this invisible war on a daily basis are the real heroes.

Q: Do you feel that your team is making a difference?

A: Absolutely. I am grateful to oversee the Emergency Department services team for Ascension. We have a very strong collaborative group of Emergency Department leaders all across the country who are trying to help our hospitals and emergency departments prepare for every possible worst case scenario. We are putting in long hours trying to give all the tools and every ounce of support that we can to our frontline providers in this scary and uncertain time. I am grateful to be leading those efforts.

Q: What is the main message you want the public to know/understand during this time?

A: They have the most important role to play in what happens in this story. The medical community does not currently have a cure for this virus, the only tool we currently have to significantly impact the number of deaths is social distancing. Every time they decide to stay home and distance themselves from others they are making a decision to decrease the spread of this invisible threat that could impact them and so many others. We will likely see a massive surge of cases in TN in the coming weeks. Every decision they make right now will play a sizable role in how well we weather that storm. We need the public to help us just as much as we are trying to help them.

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COVID-19 "Q and A" with Dr. Allison Bollinger who oversees 150 emergency departments in Middle Tennessee and beyond - Wgnsradio

NEW YORK Tiffany Pinckney remembers the fear when COVID-19 stole her breath. So when she recovered, the New York City mother became one of the country's first survivors to donate her blood to help treat other seriously ill patients.

"It is definitely overwhelming to know that in my blood, there may be answers," Pinckney told The Associated Press.

Doctors around the world are dusting off a century-old treatment for infections: Infusions of blood plasma teeming with immune molecules that helped survivors beat the new coronavirus. There's no proof it will work. But former patients in Houston and New York were early donors, and now hospitals and blood centers are getting ready for potentially hundreds of survivors to follow.

"There's a tremendous call to action," said Dr. David Reich, president of New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, which declared Pinckney recovered and raced to collect her blood. "People feel very helpless in the face of this disease. And this is one thing that people can do to help their fellow human beings."

As treatments get underway, "we just hope it works," he said.

In this March 26, 2020 photo provided by Tiffany Pinckney, she donates blood for a study at a hospital in New York after recovering from COVID-19. It is definitely overwhelming to know that in my blood, there may be answers, said Pinckney, 39.

What the history books call "convalescent serum" was most famously used during the 1918 flu pandemic, and also against measles, bacterial pneumonia and numerous other infections before modern medicine came along. Why? When infection strikes, the body starts making proteins called antibodies specially designed to target that germ. Those antibodies float in survivors' blood specifically plasma, the yellowish liquid part of blood for months, even years.

When new diseases erupt and scientists are scrambling for vaccines or drugs, it's "a stopgap measure that we can put into place quickly," said Dr. Jeffrey Henderson of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who is helping to develop a nationwide study.

This "is not a cure per se, but rather it is a way to reduce the severity of illness," Henderson said.

Doctors don't know how long survivors' antibodies against COVID-19 will persist.

But for now, "they're the safest ones on the street," said Dr. Rebecca Haley of Bloodworks Northwest in Seattle,which is working to identify donors. "We would not be making a dent in their antibody supply for themselves."

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration told hospitals how to seek case-by-case emergency permission to use convalescent plasma, and Houston Methodist Hospital and Mount Sinai jumped at the chance.

And a desperate public responded, with families taking to social media to plead on behalf of sick loved ones and people recovering asking how they could donate. According to Michigan State University, more than 1,000 people signed up with the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project alone. Dozens of hospitals formed that group to spur plasma donation and research.

Would-be donors can't just show up at a blood center. Those with a proven infection who've been symptom-free for several weeks must get tested to ensure the virus is gone. They also must be healthy enough to meet the other requirements for blood donation plus get an additional test to see if their antibody level is high enough.

"You don't want to take plasma from someone who had a mediocre immune response. That wouldn't be helpful," said Dr. Julie Ledgerwood of the National Institutes of Health.

Chinese doctors last week reported that five patients given convalescent plasma all showed some improvement about a week later. But they also received other therapies, and without a rigorous study, there's no way to know if the plasma made the difference.

Studies are being planned to test convalescent plasma against regular care in sick patients, and to prevent infections among people at high risk of exposure such as health care workers.

Another approach: Spain-based plasma manufacturer Grifols aims to concentrate donor plasma in a North Carolina factory, creating a high-dose version that also would need testing.

Separately, NIH researchers are measuring survivors' antibody levels to learn how strong the vaccines under development must be to protect. Other teams, including at Beijing's Tsinghua University, are hunting which antibodies are most potent, to copy in a lab and turn into drugs.

Tiffany Pinckney poses for a portrait in the Harlem neighborhood of New York on April 1, 2020. After a period of quarantine at home separated from her children, she has recovered from COVID-19. (AP Photo/Marshall Ritzell)

But donations from people like Pinckney could be used as fast as blood centers can process it. She got sick the first week of March. First came the fever and chills. She couldn't catch her breath, and deep breathing caused chest pains. The single mother worried about her sons, 9 and 16.

"I remember being on my bathroom floor crying and praying," the 39-year-old said.

So when Mount Sinai, which diagnosed her, called Pinckney to check on her recovery and ask if she'd consider donating, she didn't hesitate.

"It's humbling. And for me, it's also a beacon of hope for someone else," she said.

Medical personnel clap and sign I love you as they look out a window at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso on Thursday. Motorists were parked outside with their headlights and hazards lights on and honked their horns to thank medical personnel for their work. The Headlights for Hope event is to show support to the medical staff and patients at hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Liz Hall prays during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Savannah Nelson, 10, looks out a sunroof during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel look out a hospital window during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Ryan Miller waves to medical personnel during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Chelsey Holloway holds a sign and cries during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. Holloway works at the hospital as OR nurse manager, but is on leave. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel look out a hospital window during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Bavette and Ryan Miller wave to medical personnel during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Live Hall,7, waves to medical personnel during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Motorists wave to medical personnel during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel look out a hospital window during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Liz Hall(left), Live Hall,7, and Mila Hall,3, wave to medical personnel during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Noelle Shaw signs to medical personnel through a hospital window during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Noelle Shaw, who organized the event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso, cries as she watches medical personnel look out the window Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel look out a hospital window during an event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Noelle Shaw, who organized the event called Headlights for Hope at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso, cries as she walks away from the hospital after thanking medical personnel through the window on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Cars parked in the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, and honked horns to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Lee Houston waves flags to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday. Cars crowded into the parking lot, turned on headlights, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work during the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer for medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel acknowledge supporters as they leave work during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Registered nurse Summer Jones wipes a tear away as she sees supporters cheer during an event called Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Summer Jones, a registered nurse, wipes away a tear as supporters cheer during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso on Thursday. Motorists crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazard lights on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel acknowledge supporters as they leave work during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel watch supporters cheer during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Nurse Summer Jones, RN cries as she sees supporters cheer during an event called Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel watch supporters cheer during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Savannah Nelson,10, cheers and holds a sign to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Lee Houston waves flags to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Megan Losoncy holds a sign to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer medical personnel for their work during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso on Thursday. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Savannah Nelson, 10, cheers and holds a sign to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Medical personnel acknowledge supporters as they look out the window of an upper floor at Ascension St. John Owasso during Headlights for Hope Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Lee Houston waves flags to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Judi and Johnny Gray wave flags to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Lee Houston waves flags to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Live Hall,7, stands up outside of the sunroof to get a better look and to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Misty Hayden(left) and her daughter Lexi Hayden,13, cheer to thank medical personnel during Headlights for Hope at Ascension St. John Owasso Thursday, April 2, 2020. Cars crowded into the parking lot and turned headlights and hazards on, honked horns and cheered to thank medical personnel for their work in the COVID-19 outbreak. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Neergaard reported from Washington. AP National Writer Allen G. Breed in North Carolina contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Coronavirus survivors donating blood to help treat patients with COVID-19: 'We just hope it works,' doctor says - Tulsa World

(Wausau, WI) Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin is launching its next wave of drive-through testing locations for COVID-19. Starting Thursday, March 26, drive-through testing sites will be available in Plover, Rhinelander and Crandon. Additional sites are currently in development. Individuals who wish to be tested at drive-through locations must first be pre-screened by an Ascension Medical Group provider by appointment, phone, or virtually using Ascension Online Care.

Those interested in this option for testing should contact their physician office.

This screening involves a series of questions about symptoms, travel history and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Patients who meet the criteria, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, will schedule an appointment for drive-through testing at the appropriate site.The initial drive-through testing sites going into operation in central and northern Wisconsin are:

All of these drive-through testing locations will be in operation Monday Friday.

At the testing site, patients will remain in their vehicle at all times. An Ascension associate will look up the patients information in the electronic health record to confirm that they have been screened and require testing. Insurance information will be collected for follow-up purposes, if its not already entered into the electronic health record. An Ascension associate will confirm that the patient has an established Ascension provider. There is no upfront charge for the testing.

A throat culture and nasal swab samples will be collected and sent to a state-approved laboratory for analysis. Patients will be provided this information at the time of testing. The specimens collected at Ascension Wisconsins mobile testing sites are currently being sent to Quest and LabCorp. In-house labs at Ascension Wisconsin facilities are in development. This additional testing capacity will allow COVID-19 testing for a wider group of patients.Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin will contact patients with results and positive results will be alerted to the Wisconsin Department of Health.

We continue to collaborate closely with local and state health officials to ensure that community members experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus, while limiting exposure to keep the health and safety of our patients, associates and visitors a top priority, said Dr. Stewart Watson, Clinical Vice President of Ascension Medical Group Wisconsins North Region.

According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms seen with the infection with COVID-19 are not specific, with cold-like symptoms in mild cases. Symptoms could include a fever, along with cough and shortness of breath. If someone is elderly or has other medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or cancer, they may get sicker from the virus and develop pneumonia or other lung problems. For more information on COVID-19, please visit cdc.gov.

There also is an Ascension COVID19 Hotline set up for those who have questions about COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or those who want to receive a text message to schedule an Ascension Online Care appointment with a provider. The toll-free number for Wisconsin is 1-833-981-0711.

# # #

About Ascension Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Ascension operates 24 hospital campuses, more than 100 related healthcare facilities and employs more than 1,300 primary and specialty care clinicians from Racine to Eagle River. Serving Wisconsin since 1848, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., operating 2,600 sites of care including 150 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Visit http://www.ascension.org.

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Ascension-Wisconsin announces drive-thru Covid-19 testing sites - Merrillfotonews