COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update - March 19
March 19, 2020
The ADPH announced on Wednesday, March 18 that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lee County had grown to a total of 8. That is the second most among Alabama’s cases. Three of the cases are from specimens that EAMC submitted to ADPH or to an independent lab. Because more collections have occurred in the past few days, hospital officials expect more confirmed cases for Lee County in the coming days. EAMC does not know of any possible connection between the cases. As of today, Thursday, March 19, we have implemented many additional changes to various areas of the hospital.
No Visitor Policy
EAMC has made the difficult decision of announcing a NO VISITORS policy. Exceptions will be made for Pediatrics and Level 2 Nursery (2 primary caregivers), women giving birth (1 primary support person), the Emergency Department (1 visitor, ED lobby only), and in end-of-life circumstances. If the attending physician or nurse manager determines that a support person is needed, the family will be contacted to make such arrangements. ALL visitors that fall into the exception categories will be screened prior to entry. Screening includes a temperature check, questions about travel, and questions/verification regarding your permission to visit the intended patient.
Prescription Pickup
The East Alabama Apothecary is providing curbside pickup of prescriptions outside of The Surgery Center on the back side of the hospital. A station will be set up at The Surgery Center entrance from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. If someone is picking up a prescription outside of these hours, they will need to call 334-528-2293 to arrange pickup prior to arriving at the hospital.
When to Call 528-SICK
Peope experiencing COVID-19 symptoms who feel they will need medical attention should first contact their primary care physician or other local provider. If that provider determines a COVID-19 test is warranted, they can collect a specimen at their office and submit it to ADPH or to an independent lab. If the physician's office is out of supplies or does not have the ability to collect, the person can call 528-SICK for evaluation. Peopel experience mild symptoms should treat their symptoms the same way they would the seasonal flu - isolate themselves at home and treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medication.
A Note to Employers Regarding COVID-19 Testing
Our Emergency Departments at EAMC and EAMC-Lanier are receiving individuals who are expressing that they have one or more of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 and that their employer is requiring them to receive a COVID-19 “test” before returning to work. We cannot “test” every person who comes to the ED with these symptoms due to the limited number of supplies available for use for specimen collection. Also, please understand that “testing” means that a specimen is collected and sent to either the ADPH or an independent lab to determine if the person is positive or negative for COVID-19. Such collection kits must be reserved for patients who meet “screening” criteria for “testing.” People with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, and/or fever can contact their physician or 334-528-SICK for “screening.”
COD10 AssetID
240272
External ID
513
Integration Source
COD10
Integration Source URL
https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/news-and-media/coronavirus-update-march-19
