The ostomy community is understandably concerned about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect their daily lives, health, support networks, and access to ostomy supplies.

In this time of great uncertainty, UOAA recommends all individuals consult with their own primary care physicians and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for actual up to date information. We recognize that many people living with an ostomy or continent diversion are older people and those with chronic disease and are therefore at higher risk of developing serious illness. Please see CDC guidelines for people at risk. 

UOAA is also hearing from many Affiliated Support Groups who have decided to cancel their upcoming meeting. Affiliated Support Groups are each independently run so we are asking members to contact their local leaders to see if their next meetings are taking place. If your meetings are not held in a local hospital or a facility that will let you know of their current policy following the outbreak community guidelines are also available from the CDC to assist leaders on deciding steps they should take.  

UOAA reached out to the major ostomy manufacturers to see if the outbreak is currently impacting their production or supply chain. As of March 4, 2020 none of the manufacturers reported any issues in their operations as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Read our previous blog post for statements from individual manufacturers on this topic. 

If you develop a fever, cough and have difficulty breathing always contact your healthcare provider. They will determine if you are a candidate for a COVID-19 test. Medicare and private insurance should cover a test to see if you have coronavirus if it is requested from a physician. For frequently asked questions and facts about this virus follow updates from the CDC on the latest COVID-19 guidelines.

UOAA will update you with any information that may affect our community. 

Please share this blog link https://www.ostomy.org/coronavirus-effects-on-the-ostomy-community/  that contains all the information stated above with your members via your facebook page, website, newsletter or email.