Responding to increase in Covid-19 cases
The COVID-19 situation remains fluid in Greene County, with an increasing positivity rate along with high transmission/community spread.
Greene County Medical Center implemented visitor restrictions as of Sept. 8 in an effort to keep patients, families, and healthcare providers safe and healthy.
Designated visitors must be free of any signs of illness. Individuals at high risk for severe disease (e.g., underlying cardiopulmonary disease, poorly controlled diabetes) should not visit. Visitors are required to wear a mask at all times, wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting patient’s room. Greene County Medical Center team members will provide instructions if additional PPE is required. All visitors will continue to be screened upon entrance to the medical center.
Greene County Medical Center visitor guidelines:
- All visitors MUST wear a mask at all times and social distance regardless of vaccination status
- No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit.
Acute Care, Emergency Department, clinics, oncology, outpatient services, and surgery, guidelines for non-COVID-19 positive patients:
- Effective immediately only one visitor per patient will be allowed
- Pediatric patients will be allowed to have two parents/guardians in the room. (Emergency Department and acute care).
- The visitor must stay in the room at all times.
- The approved visitor will be designated when the patient is admitted and will not be changed during the patient’s stay.
- Covid-positive patients will not be allowed any visitors during their stay.
- Visiting hours will be from 7 am to 8 pm.
- In the event that staff has to contact a caregiver after visiting hours, staff will contact the designated visitor to come in and be with the patient.
Long Term Care
Indoor/in-room visits are temporarily prohibited with the exception of compassionate care visits and visits required by federal disability rights law.
Compassionate care visits will be person-centered and case by case with the approval of the medical center staff.
Compassionate care visitors MUST wear a mask at all times and social distance regardless of vaccination status
Outdoor patio visits will continue with proper screening of visitors, wearing of PPE, and proper social distancing for any resident not in quarantine or isolation.
Staff encourages technology visits and will assist residents and families to set up these visits.
Compassionate care, outdoor and technology visits must be scheduled ahead by calling 515-386-0200.
“Thank you for your support and understanding as we cautiously take this step. We look forward to seeing families and visitors; you have been so incredibly missed,” said LTC director Lori Harrah.
Persons who want more information about visiting LTC residents can call Harrah at 515-386-0200.
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Greene County Medical Center long term care must adhere to CMS guidelines which includes 14 days without a new positive case among residents and staff to return to open visitation. The county positivity rate must also remain under 10 percent to allow for open visits for all residents. “Greene County Medical Center, our long term care, and public health remain committed to promoting vaccination, masking, hand washing and all Covid-19 precautionary standards.
The situation with COVID-19 remains fluid. The Medical Center administration and staff will continue to evaluate information from many sources and make important decisions as the situation changes.
