Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is preparing its facility for the potential uptick in the number of patients with COVID-19.

In the emergency department (ED), the hospital is adding a forward triage tent inside its ambulance bay to test potential COVID-19 patients in isolation instead of in a general waiting area. The forward triage area includes seating for patients who will be given a mask and seated six feet away from other patients for social distancing. The area also includes a controlled entry point with a separate route into the hospital. Air inside the tent and ambulance bay is sanitized before it is exhausted.

Rush has also added “concern for coronavirus” to its suite of virtual care videos for those who think they have symptoms of COVID-19 or may have been exposed to the virus. An ED provider will assess the patient and guide them through next steps.