The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has confirmed 6 presumptive
positive cases of COVID-19 “Coronavirus” in Indiana. None
of these cases have been in Grant nor its immediately surrounding counties.
We continue to encourage all members of our local community to be active
in your role of prevention of all contagious diseases, including influenza.
Actions everyone can take include, but are not limited to, vaccination,
good hand hygiene practices, covering coughs or sneezes, and staying home when ill.
As a precautionary measure, MGH will be restricting access at its main
campus beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2020. All patients and visitors
arriving will be welcomed at the 1st floor Main Entrance during the hours of 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday
through Friday as well as at the Emergency Room entrance 24/7. In our
efforts to reduce potential exposures to flu like illnesses, all patients
and visitors will be asked screening questions upon arrival. We understand
that these may seem to be drastic measures, but we assure you that we
are here to serve our community throughout the duration of this global
concern. We will not be able to allow anyone to visit with symptoms of
respiratory illness, including cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose,
and/or shortness of breath. We understand that connecting with family
members is incredibly important, and there are a variety of other ways
to consider connecting with them during this time. These may include telephone,
email, text, or through skype, facetime or Facebook. Throughout, we also
ask everyone to continue to practice general flu precaution steps including;
cover coughs or sneezes with tissue or sleeve, wash hands regularly with
soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, and avoid touching your face.
As a reminder, if you have symptoms of flu like illness the best recommendation
would be to stay home and monitor your symptoms and contact your primary
care provider’s office by phone. Those at highest risk of contracting
coronavirus are senior citizens and young children. We encourage these
groups of individuals to refrain from attending events with large groups
of people to minimize your exposure risks.
We are coordinating our efforts to ensure that should you develop symptoms
that are of concern for COVID-19, we can minimize the risk to other individuals
and healthcare workers while you seek treatment. Communicating with Marion
General Hospital prior to arrival with symptoms is key in our ability
to provide the safest treatment for you and our staff. If you are directed
to Marion General Hospital for treatment, we ask that you call (765) 660
-6900 to coordinate your arrival. Your participation in this process is
greatly appreciated as we work to minimize risk to our community.
MGH is committed to monitoring this situation as it continues to develop
and utilize our social media forums to communicate with you in a timely manner.