Elizabeth Conlin, CEO of Friends Hospital, said the facility is taking every measure to protect its patients, families and employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
The following actions have been implemented at Friends:
• All individuals are screened upon entering the facility.
• The hospital is actively monitoring and responding to all recommendations made by the CDC and local regulatory and health authorities.
• All in-person visitation has been suspended (with limited critical exceptions).
• The hospital has implemented additional training for all employees on handwashing and hand sanitization, and strict employee and client compliance with washing/sanitizing hands thoroughly and often.
• Friends has increased the frequency of the required cleaning and sanitization of the facility, including intake rooms, surfaces and common areas.
The CDC recommends individuals and families follow the everyday preventive measures below:
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60–95% alcohol.
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms.
• Practice “social distancing” in an effort to avoid spread of the virus. Do not meet in groups larger than 10 persons, and maintain personal space when engaging in in-person interactions.
• If you are well, do not wear a facemask to protect against respiratory illnesses, including coronavirus. You should wear a mask only if a health care professional recommends it or if you have the virus and are showing symptoms. ••
