case cancellation, but those instances have been
rare. "We've performed about 1,700 COVID-19 tests,
and just five have come back positive," says Ms.
Davis. Among her staff members, who are tested
daily and required to follow a strict indoor masking
policy, there have been zero positive coronavirus
test results thus far.
During the shutdown earlier this year, Ms.
Rhodes met with clinical leaders to decide what
measures needed to be in place to protect patients
and staff when elective procedures were allowed to
resume. "Safety has been our top priority through-
out the entire process," she says.
Clinical leaders at UCSD constantly monitor PPE
and supply levels, as well as the community's rate
of positive COVID-19 cases, which was approxi-
mately 6% in late July. Ms. Rhodes believes her
team can operate safely if these measurements are
constantly monitored.
Many patients want to undergo surgery at UCSD
and are very receptive to learning about the safety
measures in place, according to Ms. Rhodes.
"Coming to our facilities to work or for surgical
care is safer than being out in the community," says
Ms. Rhodes. "We operate with an abundance of cau-
tion and attention to detail, and take staff and
patient safety very seriously. It's what we've always
done, and it's what we'll continue to do."
"We know that this pandemic is not going away
and that we're seeing spikes in different places,"
says Mr. Prentice. "The difference between April
and August is we have more experience now and
know what we can do with screening, testing and
social distancing to operate safely. I think policy-
makers see that."
Says Dr. Berger, "There are no good medical rea-
sons to cancel elective procedures, and I'd never
put myself in harm's way. I'm performing surgery
because I know it's safe to do so and because I
want to help my patients."
OSM
