Macon Community Hospital Releases Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

Macon Community Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

 

Below are several resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, please contact the health department.

Quick Links:

•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)

•Tennessee Hospital Association COVID-19 page – (https://tha.com/covid-19/)

•Tennessee Department of Health (www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html)

Coronavirus (COVID–19) Update:

Macon Community Hospital will continue to work closely with the Macon County Health Department, and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure our hospital is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). Additionally, we are reviewing our facility’s robust emergency operations plan and proactively completing a number of preparation checklists out of an abundance of caution.

While we have not treated any patients with this virus at our hospital to date, Macon Community Hospital has taken the following measures to prepare, in accordance with CDC guidelines:

• Patients/visitors will be screened based on the following questions: 

1. Do you have a fever, cough, and feel short of breath?
2. Have you traveled out of the country?
3. Have you been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed or suspected to have coronavirus?

• We are limiting the number and age of visitors for the safety of our patients. Only 1 visitor per patient and no visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed.
• We have reduced the number of access points -all visitors/patients should use the main (new) entrance. All other entrances will be closed effective immediately.

 Recommended Precautions

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol -based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home if you are sick.

• Stay away from people who are sick.

• If you suspect you have the coronavirus and need to see a health care provider, please call the         provider before arrival so you can be provided protective equipment before entering the building.

Importantly, all the above are standard operating protocols that are in place year-round to help ensure the health and well-being of everyone who enters our hospital.

We want to assure our community that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the coronavirus. For more information, contact the Tennessee Department of Health who has a launched a Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The number is 1-877-857-2945 and is available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p. m. Central Time or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. People with concerns about their health should contact their health care providers. Tennessee Department of Health has additional information available at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html. 

The CDC has updated information and guidance available online at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.