Implements New Visitor Guidelines & Screening at Limited Entrances
New processes put in place for the health and continued safety of patients and team members
JACKSON, MISS. - As part of its ongoing response to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Mississippi, and for the continued safety of patients and team members, St. Dominic’s announced changes to its visitor guidelines and the addition of screening stations at designated entrances. These guidelines go into effect beginning Friday, March 13 until further notice.
Visitation of patients will be limited to two visitors (12 years or older) per patient, per day. If the patient is in isolation, visitation will be limited to one adult per patient, per day. Visiting hours are noon to 7:00 p.m.
“Prevention is the key to containment of viruses like COVID-19 and we’re taking additional precautions to help keep our patients and team members safe,” said Lester K. Diamond, President, St. Dominic Hospital and St. Dominic Health Services. “Our leadership endorses these new steps to ensure the hospital continues to be the safest possible for patients and their loved ones as well as all of us who care for them. We appreciate the support of the community as we each do our part to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our communities and our state.”
In alignment with healthcare organizations across the country, visitors will notice that facilities have limited the number of entrances in order to screen every guest. Entrances have been visibly marked with clear signage and ensured they are accessible regardless of weather or disability.
All visitors entering will be screened based on CDC guidance. The brief screening process includes the following questions along with a temperature check:
• Do you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath?
• Have you traveled internationally within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission?
• Have you been in contact with anyone confirmed or suspected of having coronavirus/COVID-19?
Eric McVey, MD, Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs and Quality, St. Dominic Hospital, adds, “Especially now that the virus has been confirmed in our state, we encourage everyone to take steps to prevent infectious disease by washing your hands and using hand sanitizer, covering your mouth when you cough, staying home if you have flu-like symptoms and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. These may seem like simple things, but they are our best defense against this new virus.”
For the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
