Daily Archives: March 24, 2020

MILWAUKEE COUNTY People having trouble getting a test for the coronavirus will soon have more places to do so. By next week new testing sites will be open to patients with a variety of symptoms.

Daryl Kirchen from St. Francis has wanted to get tested for the coronavirus for the past week.

"I think there's a lot of people in their 30s and 40s that will get sick that don't expect it," Kirchen said.

He doesn't have a fever but said he does have a severe cough, pressure in his chest, and shortness of breath. A person at his workplace also tested positive.

However, when Kirchen called both his health care provider and others in the area, he said they wouldn't approve him to be tested.

"Basically said that testing isn't available for my group," Kirchen said.

Right now, coronavirus testing is available at various health care providers, each with their specifications but all requiring a phone or virtual screening ahead of time.

The only drive-thru testing site currently up and running is at Froedtert South's Pleasant Prairie Clinic, with more expected to open in the next week at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Thursday, TMJ4 News also learned Ascension Medical Group would open multiple drive-thru testing spots early next week, including in West Allis, Franklin, and Milwaukee.

Medical Director Dr. Patricia Golden said as they treat more critical patients at their hospitals, they're designating these new drive-thru sites to those with milder symptoms and no fever.

"This is going to be the opportunity for us to do testing in you know more of the general population and help with the epidemiology of understanding this virus," Dr. Golden said.

She said the samples from critical patients are getting sent to the state and city labs for testing. They don't want to overburden those workers and will be sending the samples from the patients with milder symptoms to commercial labs.

By separating patients with different symptoms, Dr. Golden hopes to avoid cross-contamination.

"These are the patients really truly, we want to know that they're positive, but we also want to help recommend the social distancing as well as the quarantining at home while they test positive, and avoid being the spread of this into the general population," Dr. Golden said.

This is precisely what Kirchen hopes to do.

"I think that you know the key to fixing this is figuring out how to treat people earlier," Kirchen said.

Anyone who is an Ascension patient and wants to get tested first has to get screened by a nurse by either calling Ascension's coronavirus hotline at (833) 981-0711 or virtually using Ascension Online Care.

If you're not an Ascension patient, you can also get tested by calling Ascension's coronavirus hotline.

The nurse who screens you will then decide whether testing is warranted and whether you should be hospitalized or get tested at one of the drive-thru sites.

The first Ascension drive-thru testing sites in Southeastern Wisconsin will be located at the following places:

The three locations are expected to open next week. The opening date and times are still in the works.

Later on, Ascension drive-thru testing sites will also be at the following places:

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Ascension to open drive-thru coronavirus testing sites for people with milder symptoms - WTMJ-TV

Michigan's largest hospital systems are bracing for potential patient overflow amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, state health officials alsoconfirmed three new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the statewide total to six. There are 229 confirmed cases in Oakland County, 248 in Detroit, 101 in Wayne County and 101 in Macomb County. The state's updated totals are from cases tallied Friday up to midnight and include positive test results confirmed by state, commercial, and hospital labs.

Saturday night, two more deaths were confirmed bringing the statewide total to eight. Spectrum Health officials confirmed the state's seventh death, a male in his 70's who was being treated at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, and Henry Ford Health confirmed the state's eighth death, a 52-year-old Macomb County man with underlying health conditions who died at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.

Last week, as the number of infected patients in Michigan grew, hospital systems such as Beaumont Health, Henry Ford Health, The University of Michigan, Spectrum, and the Detroit Medical Center, voluntarily postponed elective procedures to help free up beds for severely ill patients, including those showing COVID-19 symptoms and patients needing emergency care.

Then on Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, dental facilities, and all state-operated outpatient facilities, to postpone all non-essential procedures until the COVID-19 state of emergency was lifted. The orders took effect at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21.

"By postponing all non-essential medical and dental procedures, we expect to reduce the strain on the healthcare system and protect people," Whitmer said. "My administration will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure our children, families, and businesses have the support they need during these challenging times.

Most ICU beds are occupied and there may not be enough of them, according to Associated Press data compiled from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2018, the latest available numbers.

As the number of COVID-19 cases within the U.S. continues to grow, many hospitals are bracing themselves for an expected onslaught of coronavirus patients. The number of beds available in these hospitals, especially intensive care unit beds for the severely ill patients, is critical for managing the incoming surge.

John Karasinski, spokesperson for theMichigan Health and Hospital Association, saidhospitals across the state have implemented their emergency response plans, which include increasing bed capacity during a surge of patients.

"Many hospitals have already postponed or delayed elective surgery procedures to increase capacity for COVID-19 patients and to preserve supplies," he said.

In Oakland County, there are 368 ICU beds at 12 hospitals. That number includes 138 at Beaumont in Royal Oak and 56 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy. Data shows on average 122 were empty at any given time. There are 3,400 general beds at county healthcare facilities and data shows an average 92 were empty.

In Wayne County, there are 404 ICU bed at 14 hospitals. That number includes 80 at Henry Ford Hospital in Wyandotte and 56 at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit. Data shows an average of 10 were open at any given time.There are 4,218 general beds and data shows an average of 95 were open.

In Macomb County, there are 122 ICU beds at four hospitals. That includes 48 at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens and 41 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren. Data shows an average of 10 ICU beds were open at any given time. There are 1,013 general beds at those hospitals, with an average of 90 beds open.

Here's what each of the state's major hospital systems are doing to prepare for a potential tidal wave of patients:

Hospitals include Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn; Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills; Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe; Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak; Beaumont Hospital in Taylor; Beaumont Hospital in Trenton; Beaumont Hospital in Troy; Beaumont Hospital in Wayne

On Friday, Beaumont announced it was postponing non-essential procedures until after May 1.

"We started notifying patients on Monday, March 16 of this change," said spokesperson Mark Geary. "We are also not booking any new non-essential surgeries until after May 1. If a physician or a surgeon thinks a patient surgery is essential, our physician leadership will evaluate the request and determine whether to allow the surgery to proceed.

If Beaumont hospitals receive a large influx of patients, they will receive care on a unit dedicated to COVID-19 patients. Precautionary measures are being taken to protect these patients and their caregivers by treating them in special units.

Beaumont has also created a physician-led task force to develop a set of guidelines in response to the U.S. Surgeon Generals recommendation to cancel elective surgeries.

CEO John Fox said system guidelines emphasize patient safety and quality, while also considering inpatient capacity, patient flow and resources.

The guidelines will change as the situation unfolds. There will also be circumstances that require us to make exceptions and evaluate on a case-by-case basis. We are also talking with other health systems around the country, exchanging information and working together with them. We are not competitors right now. We are united together in a common national effort."

Hospitals include Henry Ford Hospital; Henry Ford Allegiance Health; Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals in Clinton Township and Warren; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital; Henry Ford Kingswood

Henry Ford last week postponed "non-time sensitive" procedures and surgeries. According to hospital officials, the decision was made "to protect the health and safety of patients and to ensure the availability of medical equipment and resources in the event of a patient surge.

Procedures and surgeries are performed at five Henry Ford hospitals and six outpatient surgery locations.

The hospital system is also monitoring its supply of masks, gowns, face shields, wipes and other products to keep patients and team members safe.

"Like all health systems, our concerns will increase as the number of positive cases arise," said the hospital system in a statement. "We are in constant communication with our suppliers and continue to take measures to extend the life of our supplies. For their safety against potential exposure, Emergency Department personnel are now wearing a surgical mask during their work shift."

Henry Ford Health has 360 ICU beds across its hospital system as well as 150 negative pressure isolation rooms where COVID-19 patients would be treated. The system's total bed count is 2,305.

Beds: Henry Ford Hospital, 877; Henry Ford Allegiance, 475; Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, 361; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, 401; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, 191.

Staffed hospital bed occupancy (as of March 13): Henry Ford Hospital, 83 percent; Henry Ford Allegiance, 78 percent; Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, 75 percent; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, 62 percent; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, 81 percent

Hospitals include University Hospital; C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital; Von Voightlander Womens Hospital; Frankel Cardiovascular Center; Rogel Cancer Center

Mary Masson, director of public relations for U-M Medicine, said the hospital system is staffed for 972 beds. She added that elective procedures have been postponed to open up bed capacity.

"We are preparing and planning to handle additional patients. Michigan Medicine has been proactively monitoring and ordering supplies to prepare for patient surge," she said. "As part of that, we have reached out to all areas of the university to collect supplies. We currently have adequate supplies to treat our patients and protect our employees."

The university has also executed the next phase of a comprehensive COVID-19 planning and response program which includes the opening of a 32-bed isolation unit to treat COVID-19 patients.

In this unprecedented time, we have moved forward with the activation of a Regional Infectious Containment Unit (RICU), said Dr. Marschall Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine and dean of the Medical School. This unit enhances care and minimizes risk of disease spread, while improving safety of patients on and off the unit, visitors and staff.

In addition, the university announced that many outpatient appointments are being shifted to a video visit format for the safety and convenience of patients. The supply of crucial supplies like masks, hand sanitizer and other personal protective equipment is being monitored. Orders are proactively being placed for additional supplies.

Hospitals include DMC Childrens Hospital of Michigan in Troy; DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital; DMC Harper University Hospital; DMC Heart Hospital; DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital; DMC Hutzel Womens Hospital; DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan; DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital

Jason Barczy, DMC communications director, said the systemcontinues to closely monitor the CDCs COVID-19 guidance and adjust measures in place to ensure the safety of our patients and staff," he said."We have developed guidelines for elective care given new guidance from authorities. We seek to balance the needs for care for those with chronic or other illnesses that require healthcare diagnostics or procedures and where delaying it could cause them to require emergency care a few weeks from now, at a time when COVID-19 cases might be ramping up."

He said the hospital system routinely treats infectious diseases and has strong infection control policies, procedures, and systems in place to screen and treat patients.

"Our hospital has taken the appropriate steps, and we have trained professionals and the necessary equipment to react accordingly," he said. "Our clinical teams are in constant review of infection prevention processes and update patient screenings as recommended by the CDC.

Hospitals include McLaren Bay Region; McLaren Caro Region; McLaren Central Michigan; McLaren Flint; McLaren Greater Lansing; McLaren Lapeer Region; McLaren Macomb; McLaren Northern Michigan; McLaren Oakland; McLaren Port Huron; McLaren Thumb Region; Karmanos Cancer Institute

Kevin Tompkins, McLaren Health spokesperson, said the hospital system is working around the clock to address all elements of its preparedness for this rapidly evolving pandemic.

"We have multiple teams working on all aspects of Supply Chain, Human Resources, patient safety and clinical care and other logistics and training directly related to responding to this health crisis," he said.

All 14 of the system's hospitals have emergency departments staffed and equipped to deal with a wide range of emergency health care needs, said Tompkins. He added all ICU and inpatient beds will be maximized to accommodate all necessary admissions.

"The Emergency Room is not where people should go if they are concerned that they might have been infected by the coronavirus," he said. "Patients should only go to the Emergency Room if theyre experiencing severe respiratory symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath."

Tompkins said the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic along with its associated unknown aspects, including rate and speed of its spread, present a "very real potential of placing significant strain on the existing hospital infrastructure both within the state and nationally."

The hospital system's need for critical supplies, such as ventilators, face masks, and other personal protection equipment will depend on patient demand over the next week or two.

Hospitals include Ascension Borgess Hospital; Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital; Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital; Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery; Ascension Genesys Hospital; Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital (Warren Campus and Madison Heights Campus); Ascension Providence Hospital (Southfield Campus and Novi Campus); Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital; Ascension River District Hospital; Ascension St. John Hospital; Ascension St. Joseph Hospital; Ascension St. Marys Hospital; Ascension Standish Hospital.

Melissa Thrasher, spokesperson for Ascension, said the hospital system is always preparing for an influx of patients, but with increased focus prior to cold and flu season.

"We have stood up a virtual command center and are meeting throughout the day on a daily basis," she said. "We are working in alignment with our local, state and national public health and community partners and suppliers to assess our readiness and address any identified needs."

In terms of supplies, she said the system is taking proactive steps with its distributors and suppliers to ensure access to critical supplies. This includes arranging expedited shipments directly from manufacturers, assessing alternative products and taking advantage of the system's ability as a national system to make intra-hospital inventory transfers when appropriate.

"We have also implemented conservation measures, in anticipation of further supply chain disruption over the coming months due to COVID-19," she said. "At this time, we are not experiencing any issues with our supply inventories."

Hospitals include Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital; Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital; Spectrum Health United Hospital; Spectrum Health Special Care Hospital; Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital; Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital; Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital; Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital; Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital; Spectrum Health Lakeland, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial; Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital; Spectrum Health Pennock; Priority Health.

On Tuesday, the hospital system announced it would cancel all appointments, surgeries and procedures that are not urgent or emergency-related through March 31. All patients with scheduled non-urgent appointments, procedures or surgeries will be contacted by their provider regarding next steps.

We believe this is the right step to protect our patients, team members and communities, said Darryl Elmouchi, chief medical officer, Spectrum Health System and president. We appreciate the understanding of our communities as we navigate this unprecedented situation and strive to do what is right. We will continue to evaluate this on a weekly basis and will extend these closures as needed.

In an effort to increase patient safety, outpatient laboratory services have moved to new locations at both Reed City and Big Rapids Hospitals.

Were trying to accommodate as many patients as possible while ensuring our hospital remains safe for patients and staff, said Shane Cornelius, lab manager. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.

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Michigan hospital systems prepare for COVID-19 patient overflow - The Oakland Press

Ascension St. Vincent again has updated temporary visitor restrictions at all hospitals across the state to limit the spread of viral respiratory infections.

Given the rapidly-evolving situation related to COVID-19, the following visitor restrictions are effective now and apply to all emergency departments in all Ascension St. Vincent hospitals.

No visitors will be allowed in any Ascension St. Vincent Emergency Department. One parent or guardian may accompany any pediatric patient, and other compassionate exceptions may be made.

"This temporary restriction will assist in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus, ensuring that we are best equipped to provide exceptional care to our patients. We will continue to monitor state and national recommendations and lift this restriction in the Emergency Departments as soon as it is safe to do so," read a statement from the hospital.

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Ascension St. Vincent: No visitors allowed in ED - Kokomo Perspective

One Medical is bringing its modernized, membership-based primary care model to Austin, and will partner with Ascension Texas to facilitate more seamless access and coordinated care across primary care and specialty care services.

One Medical's consumer-driven primary care platform combines seamless digital health and inviting in-office care convenient to where people work, shop, live and click. One Medical plans to launch in Austin with new medical office locations and its digital health services over the next 12 months, and will clinically and digitally integrate with Ascension Texas providers and sites of care in the community. Through this partnership, the two organizations aim to achieve greater care coordination between primary and specialty care settings, advance an exceptional experience for consumers and employers, and reduce administrative burdens and costs. Austin will be One Medical's 13th metropolitan market, following its anticipated entry into Atlanta, Georgia, Portland, Oregon, and Orange County, California in 2020.

"We greatly look forward to expanding to Austin in collaboration with Ascension Texas. Together, we will deliver streamlined access and a heightened experience across primary and specialty care settings, furthering our vision to delight our members with better health, better care, and lower costs," said John Singerling, Chief Network Officer of One Medical."

"As Ascension Texas primary care providers continue to serve the rapidly growing needs of the expanding Austin market, both in person and through virtual care, we look forward to welcoming One Medical providers to further care for the community," said Samson Jesudass, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Texas. "Through this collaboration, our specialists will work with primary care providers to offer seamless specialty care and services to those we together are privileged to serve."

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One Medical and Ascension Texas to Collaborate - Patch.com

GONZALES - At Ascension Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center, Cecil Vaughn is recovering from a stroke. For the many months he's been there, family visits have been a constant.

"My mom is here every day and she spends most of the days with him," Cecil's daughter Becky Smith said. "Then his family, his children, myself, my brother, his sisters, his mom, brothers-in-law, other family members are in and out every day, almost every day."

That big family is used to spending a lot of time together.

"Lots of hugs and touches and kisses," Smith said. "So this is really, really difficult for us."

Since last week, however, Cecil's family hasn't been able to visit him after new restrictions at nursing homes and assisted living facilities went into effect. Technology has helped keep them in touch.

"We've been seeing him through FaceTime and through the window," Smith said. "That's just the best we can do right now."

But not being able to physically visit the man they call 'Poppie' didn't stop his family from celebrating his 67th birthday Friday.

"It was no second thought about it," Smith said. "Even though there's a window between us, we had to celebrate his birthday and let him know we love him just as much if he's on this side of the glass or the other."

The party was complete with balloons, streamers, party hats, and even cake.

"He liked his cake so much he didn't want to share," Smith said. "He didn't want to share his cake, but he had a great day today. It was a great day."

Even though no one in Cecil's family could have predicted this was how they'd have to celebrate their patriarch, the party proved one thing.

"There's no social distancing that can stop the love of family," Smith said. "Love can go through windows and I believe that."

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Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Ascension Parish family holds birthday party for loved one in nursing home - WBRZ

(WAOW) -- Ascension Wisconsin is further expanding temporary visitor restrictions, according to a press release.

"Our goal is to protect our associates and those we are privileged to serve by limiting possible exposure to COVID-19 and directing people to the right level of care," the release said. "The following visitor restrictions are similar to the infection control precautions we put in place in our hospitals and care sites every year during flu season to protect our patients, visitors and associates."

The updated restricted visitation policy at Ascension Wisconsin, per the release, includes:

All visitors, associates, clinicians and vendors entering Ascension Wisconsin facilities will be screened for flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose/nasal congestion and or sore throat.

Minimized entrance points as needed.

Visitors will not be permitted for patients under investigation or with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Virtual options will be discussed with patients and families.

Ascension hospitals in central and northern Wisconsin will have visiting hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

It is highly recommended that children under age 18 do not visit during this time.

Visitors will be limited to one visitor per patient at any given time.

Per guidance from the CDC, restriction of visitors who have returned from a country within the past 14 days that the CDC has designated as Level 3 Warning or Level 2 for Novel Coronavirus. Those who do visit are encouraged to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer before and after any visit.

"We appreciate the cooperation of our visitors, patients, associates and providers to support our infection control efforts and help minimize the spread of respiratory infections and COVID-19," the release said.

Link:

Ascension Wisconsin expands temporary visitor restrictions - WAOW

SORRENTO - Louisiana State Police say a tragic crash in Ascension Parish resulted in a 26-year-old man's death.

The fatal incident took place Tuesday, March 17, shortly before 5 p.m.

Police say Darius Davis and two others were in a Chevrolet Tahoe, headed eastbound on I-10 when they got a flat tire.

So, when they were just west of LA Hwy 22, they stopped on the right-hand shoulder to change the tire.

But as the three were attempting to change the tire, the driver of a Ford F-250 who was also headed eastbound, swerved off-road and hit Davis, his two companions, and their SUV.

Davis sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene, his two companions suffered moderate wounds and were taken to an area hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Ford F-250, a 28-year-old named Jordan Waddell, was not injured by the crash and police say he showed no signs of impairment.

Waddell was arrested and booked into Ascension Parish Prison on one count of negligent homicide, two counts of negligent injuring, and one count of careless operation.

Police are still investigating the crash.

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Ascension Parish: 26-year-old struck and killed while trying to change a tire - WBRZ

GONZALES Ascension Parish sheriff's deputies began collecting on Monday unused hand sanitizer, medical gloves and masks, and other personal protective equipment for area hospitals and nursing homes.

Sheriff Bobby Webre announced the supply drive in a statement Monday in an effort to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus also known as COVID-19 among health care workers.

Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and materials should be delivered to the Sheriff's Training Center, 9094 S. St. Landry Road, Gonzales.

Other items being collected include goggles and face shields, the sheriff said.

For more information, call (225) 621-8300, option 1.

If you have questions about coronavirus, please email our newsroom at online@theadvocate.com.

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Ascension sheriff collecting personal protective equipment supplies amid coronavirus outbreak - The Advocate

MILWAUKEE COUNTY Health care providers across the state continue the process of making testing available for people with a variety of symptoms of the coronavirus, but some continue to face challenges with a shortage of testing supplies.

Traffic signs now line the streets by Ascensions West Allis Gateway Clinic, directing cars to a drive-thru testing site for the coronavirus.

Its one of many that opened Monday, designated for those with milder symptoms to separate them from the more critical patients at Ascensions hospitals.

Others are in Franklin, Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Mount Pleasant, Grafton, with more opening in the area later this week.

Like all testing sites, you cant just show up. Youll need to undergo a phone or virtual screening ahead of time. Then if warranted, a nurse will make you an appointment.

A spokesperson for Ascension told TMJ4 News they have the supplies available to test these additional patients.

On the other hand, officials at Aurora Health Care said because of the national shortage of test kits, theyre putting a hold on opening drive-thru sites to conserve tests for those in critical need.

Initially, Aurora expected to open one this week at St. Lukes Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Officials with Aurora still say anyone with symptoms should call their hotline or schedule a virtual appointment before going to their facilities. Those with more critical symptoms will be sent to the hospital for testing, while those with milder symptoms will receive guidance on how to self-quarantine.

The drive-thru testing site at Froedtert Souths Pleasant Prairie Clinic also remains open by appointment for those who meet CDC criteria.

According to Andrea Palm of the Department of Health Services, theyre starting to see more health care providers have the capacity to test their own samples, taking a burden off the state lab.

What is happening through the state lab is about 400 tests a day, Palm said.

Until the testing supplies increase and more clinical labs receive authorization, Chief Medical Officer of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Dr. Ryan Westergaard urges providers to only send samples from critical patients to the lab.

We prioritize testing for people for whom its most important to know for their own management clinically, Dr. Westergaard said.

Officials from Ascension told TMJ4 News, samples from those with milder symptoms taken at these drive-thru sites will get tested at commercial labs.

For everything you need to know about testing, including contact information and how to get an appointment, click here.

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Health providers extend COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites, some postpone - WTMJ-TV

ASCENSION- A distillery in Ascension Parish recognized the demand for sanitizer and the materials around them that could be used to make the product.

Now they are producing it and giving it away to customers and nonprofit organizations for free.

Sugarfield Spirits, which normally produces adult beverages, has switched gears to make another alcohol-based product that consumers like Ed McCloud can't wait to get their hands on.

"We've been looking for hand sanitizer all over the city of course and nobody has it," says McCloud.

Thursday, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau lifted its federal restrictions, allowing distilleries like Sugarfield Spirits to turn their alcohol into hand sanitizer.

"Everybody is really scared right now. There's a lot going on. Anything a business can do, we're going to do," Owner Andrew Soltau says.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus spread in Louisiana, Soltau saw an opportunity to fill a void.

Soltau has already made several gallons of hand sanitizer to hand out to those in need.

"We donated everything that we had to a local daycare that was in need.They were completely out so we gave them all that we had," says Soltau.

Sugarfield Spirits is still in the liquor business, but they say they will be doing their part to help in this time of need.

They hope to hand out a new batch of hand sanitizer to the general public and nonprofit groups as early as Friday.

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Ascension distillery uses alcohol to create sanitizer; giving it to those in need - WBRZ