Morris Hospital Steps Up Restrictions in Response to COVID-19
March 13, 2020, MORRIS, IL – For the safety of the community, Morris Hospital is implementing strict precautions to limit the number of persons coming to the hospital or any of its medical facilities. Effectively immediately:
- Hospital inpatients are limited to 1 designated visitor age 18 or older during their hospitalization. No other visitors will be permitted.
- Patients coming to any Morris Hospital facility for any reason may be accompanied by 1 person.
- All public meetings, health education classes, support groups and student clinical rotations have been suspended until further notice.
In addition, anyone exhibiting mild symptoms of illness is asked to follow the normal course of action they would take for mild illness and CALL their healthcare provider for instruction. Calling ahead will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. In addition, the only patients who will be tested for COVID-19 are those who meet the testing criteria outlined by the Centers for Disease Control.
“We continue to adhere to the CDC recommendations: people with mild illness should isolate themselves at home for 14 days during their illness,” says Kimberly Landers, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nurse Executive at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. “CDC advises seeking prompt medical attention if your illness worsens – for example, if you are having difficulty breathing. If you do have symptoms of COVID-19 that require medical attention, it is advised that you call ahead first for instruction.”
In addition, Morris Hospital is asking everyone to use the provided hand sanitizer upon entering a Morris Hospital facility. Hospital personnel are also increasing the daily cleaning of surfaces that are in high touch areas.
“This is for the safety of our community,” says Landers. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for our patients, visitors and staff during this time.”
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