HRMC Prepared for Safe Care
March 12, 2020
HURON, SD – Huron Regional Medical Center is actively working with the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay prepared to manage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“We’re prepared to deliver safe care,” said Pam Shoultz, RN, infection control nurse. “Staff is trained to safely accommodate patients with infectious diseases. If a COVID-19 case is presented, HRMC has the proper facility and is trained in the workflow with the CDC and SD DOH and will collaborate with other partners and local authorities as needed.
“To help reduce the risk of spreading infections, if you have respiratory symptoms or are feeling ill, please do not come to the hospital to visit others,” adds Shoultz.
Facts and How to Avoid Exposure to COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. People with COVID-19 experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. According to the CDC:
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Spread primarily occurs person to person who are in prolonged personal contact with each other.
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes (within about 6 feet).
- Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects may be possible.
- By touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
- This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Not everyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 will need to be hospitalized. About 80% of patients who have COVID-19 can be treated at home. The rate of patients who experience serious complications is only slightly higher than that of seasonal flu.
Typical symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Anyone who is experiencing difficulty breathing or a high temperature should call their healthcare provider immediately.
If you feel you might have COVID-19, it’s important to call your healthcare provider first rather than going directly to the clinic or other healthcare facility in order to protect other patients and staff. When you call your clinic, healthcare professionals will determine if you need testing.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- If you are sick, limit close contact with others as much as possible.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
It’s important for the public to understand that COVID-19 cases range from very mild, including some with no reported symptoms, to severe. While there are cases that have resulted in death, not everyone who is exposed to this virus will experience serious or life-threatening illness, in fact, the majority of cases are mild. Older people or people of all ages with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of developing serious illness.
Shoultz says the visitor restrictions that were implemented in February will remain in effect for as long as the flu/respiratory virus cases remain widespread. Signs are posted at the hospital to alert visitors. Visitors may call the hospital at 605-353-6200 or visit online at www.huronregional.org.
Additional reliable information on how to help protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19 can be found at:
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