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As counties across the state move into the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf's reopening plan, UPMC has seen zero positive COVID-19 cases among all of its care facilities and senior communities, UPMC officials announced in a press briefing Thursday, adding many other health care providers are seeing fewer positives and more recoveries.
UPMC doctors Donald Yealy, UPMC chair of emergency medicine, and David A. Nace, UPMC Senior Communities chief medical officer, provided an update on the latest data and assured the system continues to work on possible vaccines for COVID-19.
"As things return to normal we will continue to take care of all of your health care needs," said Yealy. "Our goal is to give you the best care and to understand what the threat of the virus is."
The symptoms of the virus and the virus itself are not as prevalent as they were in the very beginning stages of the pandemic due to a multitude of environmental changes, including warmer weather, increased social distancing measures and more courses of care becoming available for those who contracted COVID-19, he said.
"Your risk of getting into a car accident is greater than being positive for asymptomatic COVID illness," he said. "Viruses do change over time. We will watch closely and be ahead of any changes that are happening. What is really important is that we have to take a measured, cautious approach."
UPMC is also working on three different vaccines -- a patch vaccine, one that is similar to the measles vaccine, and one that actually uses RNA, Yealy said. He did not provide much more information, saying they are still in the trial and clinical phases.
There has been a decrease in cancer care over the closing of the economy, and there have been many decreases in acute care treatment for strokes, dialysis and other high risk needs, Yealy said.
"There is a real risk to delaying health care. We will provide you with safe care," he said. "Don't let that fear be the thing that keeps you from doing the right thing."
Both Yealy and Nace offered a reminder to, with the reopening of society, remain diligent and follow guidelines such as frequent handwashing, keeping a distance, covering your nose and mouth and staying home if you feel sick.
"I hope you feel confident in getting back to your life," Yealy said, "Together we control the virus in our communities. We will be ready to care for you no matter what you need."