Hospital tells how to decrease risk of virus
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From The Knox County Hospital—
As the situation with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) rapidly evolves, Knox County Hospital District has implemented procedures to decrease the risk of exposure to our patients, residents, and staff.
If you have traveled anywhere within the past 30 days, or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or have a respiratory illness (fever, cough or shortness of breath), call your doctor’s office for further direction. If you feel you have a medical emergency, please proceed to our Emergency Department.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (cdc.gov) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) (dshs.texas.gov) are updating their websites daily with the latest information and advice for the public.
Munday Nursing Center
• Facility is closed to all visitors per the mandate of the state.
• EXCEPTION – Family of patients who are near end of life. Visitors will be screened.
Ambulance Service
• Callers activating the 9-1-1 system for a respiratory illness are asked to notify the dispatcher if they have traveled anywhere within the previous 30 days or if they have come into contact with anyone who has traveled anywhere within the last 30 days.
Home Health
• Patients are asked to notify the agency if they have traveled anywhere or if they have come into contact with anyone who has traveled anywhere within the previous 30 days.
• Home Health nurses will call the patients before each visit.
• We will continue to see patients on their regularly scheduled visits.
Pharmacy
• The Pharmacy building will be locked until further notice.
• The drive-through will continue to be open to pick up prescriptions/supplies.
Munday Clinic and Knox City Clinic
• If you need to go to the clinic because of a respiratory illness, please call ahead if possible.
• If you do not call ahead, please notify staff upon entering building of your respiratory illness.
• The Clinics will continue to see patients.
Seymour Medical, Inc.
• We will call prior to any deliveries.
• If you have a respiratory illness, please notify the staff so that we can take needed precautions.
• We will continue to serve your needs.
Knox County Hospital
• Patients within the hospital will not be allowed any visitors at this time.
• EXCEPTION – Family of patients who are near end of life. Visitors will be screened.
• Patients needing Emergency Room services will continue to ring the ER bell.
• If you have a respiratory illness, please call and notify staff prior to arrival if possible.
• Patients needing other services – Lab, X-Ray, Physical Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, etc., will enter through the front door and will be asked to sign in.
Procedures are subject to change without notice as recommendations from the CDC and TDSHS evolve.
How To Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself from COVID-19 infection the same ways you protect against the common cold or seasonal flu.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds before eating; when your hands are visibly soiled; after you have used the bathroom, been in public or blown your nose, coughed or sneezed
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, if soap and water aren’t available.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, and throw your used tissues in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wear a face mask, only if you are sick or are caring for someone who is sick.
• Put some distance between yourself and others, especially if: someone near you is sick, you are at a higher risk of serious illness, or COVID-19 is spreading in your communities
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If You Feel Sick
There are several things you should do if you are sick or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and have a fever or respiratory illness (cough or shortness of breath):
• Stay home if you are sick or believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you aren’t showing any symptoms.
• Avoid public areas and transportation.
• Call the clinic first before coming into the doctor’s office or emergency department.
• Avoid coming to the emergency department, unless you have a health emergency and/or you have been advised by your health care provider to do so. This helps prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals as much as possible, while you are sick.
• Wear a face mask, if you are sick.
• Monitor yourself for fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
• Take the same precautions you would if you had the common cold or flu (e.g., wash your hands frequently)
Knox County Hospital will continue to be here to take care of you and your family during this time.
