- All hospital staff are screened and have their temperature taken, at the start of each shift. If they are ill, they can't work.
- All patients are screened. If they have a respiratory illness, they are placed in the ED/COVID unit in a negative pressure room.
- The waiting room has been eliminated, so patients & visitors are not together.
- We have a universal masking policy of both patient and provider to help stop the spread of COVID.
- Visitors are restricted: one support person is allowed for non-respiratory patients and NO visitors for respiratory patients.
- We have partnered with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to make sure transportation to the hospital is safe.
- Patients being evaluated and treated for conditions other than COVID are in a completely separate area of the ED.
- Patient-family liaisons have been established to keep everyone connected during treatment and possible admission.
- We have thorough protocols for cleaning and disinfecting all rooms, surfaces, and equipment.
- Air from inside the Emergency is NOT recycled and fresh air is constantly being brought in from the outside.