County health department, PCH give update on COVID-19 response
Though the latest update on the COVID-19 pandemic reveals no cases in Putnam County, the local health department and Putnam County Hospital continue to work together on a response to the threat and the high likelihood that it will reach Putnam County soon.
The Putnam County Health Department issued a statement late Thursday morning letting the community know there are still no COVID-19 cases in the county, shortly after the Indiana State Departement of Health (ISDH) had released the same information.
Responding to the ever-changing situation, though, the hospital updated its visitor restrictions as of Wednesday.
Inpatients, those individuals in inpatient, observation or a swing bed, are now allowed one or two visitors. These visitors must be put on a list that will be kept at the entry way.
When visitors enters the building they will be greeted by a screener and asked to give their name. If the name is not on the list, the person will not be permitted to visit the patient at that time.
There will be no visitors under the age of 18 permitted at this time.
Individuals at the hospital for an outpatient appointment should plan to keep accompanying visitors to a bare minimum.
On Thursday, the hospital also changed its visitor restrictions for the emergency room. Currently, no visitors are allowed in the emegency department.
Emergency room visitors are even discouraged from waiting in the lobby. If a visitor must remain in the lobby, he or shee will be asked to observe social distancing by remaining at least six feet from other persons.
Exceptions to the policy will include allowing one visitor for patients who are disoriented or require assistance for communication or safety. Children under the age of 18 may have one parent at the bedside.
All traffic of visitors and control of the lobby will be managed by the nursing staff and the emergency department physicians. Family members and visitors of emergency department patients will be kept informed of their loved ones via cell phone according to patient wishes.
“We understand that it is difficult for families to be separated during times of illness,” a PCH spokesperson said. “All visitors will be treated with respect and empathy. “
Hospital officials wish to assure the public that the updated policies have been put in place to protect the community and hospital employees and providers.
By enacting such polices, Putnam County Hospital continues to follow CDC and ISDH recommendations.