Officials: 715 new cases, 16 deaths
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - The Illinois Department of Public Health reported an additional 715 cases and 16 deaths of COVID-19 on Thursday afternoon. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 7,695 cases, including 157 deaths, in 52 counties in Illinois.
Locally health care facilities are also ramping up efforts to provide care during the crisis.
<h3 class="breakHead">Heartland Regional Medical Center opens hotline</h3>
Heartland Regional Medical Center has established a Call-ahead Hotline number to limit potential exposure to COVID-19: (888) 543-2786. Individuals may call if they are experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath, or if they believe they have been exposed to the coronavirus.
Between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week, a trained staff member will provide guidance concerning screenings, care and protective protocols in accordance with current Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Individuals are urged to call (888) 543-2786 before seeking testing or care for a coronavirus related concern. As always, if there is an emergent need for care of any kind, parties should visit the ER without delay.
New visitor restrictions have also been implemented.
To keep health care providers, patients and the community safer, HRMC instituted stricter visitor policies. These can change day to day, so please keep up with them by going to our website at www.heartlandregional.com.
Many providers are now offering Telehealth appointments. That means video chats or phone calls with providers rather than face-to-face meetings.
Anyone with a cough, fever, shortness of breath or who has traveled recently, should call ahead and speak to the staff for instructions before coming to the hospital or office. Healthcare providers are making efforts to practice social distancing among those in our waiting areas and to keep sick and well patients at a distance.
Hospital employees who are able have started working remotely to help reduce potential exposure within the hospital campus.
To date, the hospital has capacity, supplies, and equipment ready to treat our current patient load and any COVID-19 patients should there be an influx. Right now HRMC cannot accept the many offers of hand-sewn masks and other PPE. If this changes, notifications will be posted via the website or Facebook page.
HRMC is working closely with local and state health officials regarding elective surgeries and procedures. Those with questions should contact their physician's office.
<h3 class="breakHead">Ferrell has video screening</h3>
Ferrell Hospital on Wednesday began offering free video screening for those concerned about exposure to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
In a news release, the hospital announced video/telehealth screening now is available to patients who think they need care for COVID-19.
According to the news release, anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, which include a fever and a cough, with or without shortness of breath, are urged to call the nurse triage line at (618) 273-2275.
If it is determined that the patient should be seen by a health care provider, the nurse will schedule a video or telehealth visit using Google Duo.
A provider will evaluate symptoms, give care instructions, and make a referral for COVID-19 if it appropriate during the Google Duo visit.
The service is free, but does require internet access and use.
Telehealth visits will be scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
For more information about COVID-19, visit www.ferrellhospital.org and click the blue bar at the top to visit the Illinois Department of Public Health.
<h3 class="breakHead">University of Illinois Extension offers online resources</h3>
In the meantime, the impact of COVID-19 continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in the community.
Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ICDCI guidelines, the University of Illinois has implemented social-distancing protocols that impact all university events. Illinois Extension, as the outreach program of the university, aligns with all policies related to public health and safety.
We want to reiterate that all face-to-face events organized by Illinois Extension have been canceled, suspended, or transitioned to online delivery. This will apply to all events previously scheduled through May 31, 2020.
We are working to support Illinois communities and families at this time.
A collection of resources to assist families and community leaders preparing for and coping with COVID-19 is available online at www.go.illinois.edu/ExtensionCOVID19.
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