Grant Regional Health Center encourages our patients and surrounding communities to know what to do regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). While there are currently no confirmed cases in Grant County, we understand there are several cases in Wisconsin and feel it is important for the public to be well informed about this developing situation. We are collaborating with local health organizations to prepare and be ready to serve our communities if this becomes a widespread pandemic. It is also important that you be informed about steps that you can take to prevent the spread of this virus and lessen the impact on our region.
Important Steps to Stop the Spread:
- Most importantly, if you are experiencing symptoms including fever, persistent cough or shortness of breath – please call first before you present to the hospital or clinic. You can call our 24 hour phone number (608) 723-2143 for more information or questions.
- Expect to be asked questions related to symptoms or travel if you are making an appointment.
- Follow respiratory hygiene procedures at clinics and hospitals. If entering healthcare facilities with a cough or other symptoms, you may be asked to wear a mask and disinfect your hands.
- Please don’t insist on testing; your provider will determine if you need tested. Testing does not change the course of treatment.
- Cover your cough—even at home. Cough/sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover your mouth.
- Use general prevention. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands appropriately.
- We encourage when possible, to please stay home. Avoid large crowds and public events. We have enacted temporary visitor restrictions, which are still in effect.
- Grant Regional will be cancelling, postponing and/or rescheduling upcoming community events and trainings at this time. Please watch our website www.grantregional.com and Facebook for notices about specific classes and information.
Background:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
Coronavirus is a respiratory disease that is spread from person-to-person through a cough or sneeze. If the coronavirus is so similar to the respiratory disease we are accustomed to, then why all the hysteria? This as a new virus that hasn’t been seen yet so it’s likely that most people who come in contact with it will become symptomatic as their immune systems learn to combat it. The vast majority of people will experience mild symptoms and have low risk of complications. However, those with underlying health conditions, as well as the elderly and infants, are at increased risk of severe illness from all respiratory disease, including the coronavirus.
Grant Regional Health Center is persistently monitoring all information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance. We understand that concerns about COVID-19 have been escalating around the world, and now here in Wisconsin. As a precaution, we are doing all that we can to protect our patients and create an environment where our staff and patients continue to feel safe while at our facility.
Up-to-date information about the corona virus is available at the following websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
Stop the Spread of Germs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-lW0s2yJA0&feature=youtu.be