As the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) outbreak continues to evolve, the safety of staff, patients, volunteers and visitors remains our highest priority. We are actively monitoring the continuing developments of COVID-19 and implementing CDC recommended protocols, while closely coordinating with state and local health departments. To date, we have no patients with COVID-19 in our hospital.
At this time, for the health and safety of our visitors and their loved ones receiving care, we are asking all visitors to use the main entrance of the hospital – where they will be asked a series of screening questions. Because they are at a higher risk, we are restricting visitors 14 years and younger and recommend visitors 65 and older do not visit their loved one.
Sick patients and direct admits needing emergency care are asked to continue to use the Emergency Department entrance.
We are actively working to ensure the safety of both our community and our patients. Due to the developing situation in our state, LHMC has decided to reduce the number of outside visitors to the hospital at this time. All volunteer activities, events and non-essential meetings, are being suspended until further notice. This includes regularly scheduled support groups, Healthy Aging programs, etc.
Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, St. Clair County Health Department emphasized, “The Health Department is recommending event organizers, agencies and others to reevaluate hosting large events, meetings, or gatherings to help limit the spread of illness. The slower the virus is able to spread, the less impact and burden it will have on our community.”
Recommendations may change, including mandatory closures/cancellations. When or if this changes, the Health Department will issue a statement. Dr. Mercatante continued, “We are also strongly recommending vulnerable populations, age 60 and over, and individuals with existing medical conditions (heart disease, pulmonary lung disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.) avoid social gatherings or unnecessary travel.”
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
We ask the public for their continued diligence:
- Practice good hand hygiene at all times; it is essential to containing the spread of infectious diseases.
- Follow standard, contact and airborne precautions appropriately
- If you are sick, stay home and do not report to work, especially if you have a respiratory illness or fever.
- Ensure your work and home environments are appropriately cleaned and disinfected regularly
If you would like more information on COVID-19 please visit https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus or you can contact the St. Clair County Health Department hot line at 810-966-4163.
Lake Huron Medical Center is diligently monitoring this situation and will continue to provide regular updates.