COVID-19 Information

It's an understatement to say that COVID-19 is on all our minds. It is part of all news reports and conversations that we have with our family, friends and co-workers. Our concerns about the virus are valid but those concerns should motivate us to be practice infection prevention measures AND to get vaccinated.

Vaccinations are available at the Clarke County Hospital Clinic - no appointment necessary:  Walk-ins are welcome!  Vaccinations are also available by appointment through Clarke County Public Health:  641-342-3724.

The most important issue right now for our community is to make sure we are getting up to date and factual information about COVID-19.  Many media outlets, social media sites and individuals have created panic within some segments of our population through the spread of misinformation and rumors.  We all recognize that COVID-19 is a health threat throughout the world.  However, preparation and implementing proper prevention and vaccination criteria will go far in limiting community spread in Clarke County. 

Patients Accessing our Facility 

Patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, congestion, sore throat) should call the Hospital prior to coming in to see a provider. The patient will be asked several screening questions, and based on the risk assessment, they may be given specific instructions on how/where to enter the Hospital, Emergency Department, or Clinic.

Visitor Policy 

Changes to the Visitors Policy will be updated as necessary.  Here are the current rules and restrictions:

New Visitor Restrictions 

Visitors will be allowed in to the following departments during visiting hours:

Visitors are allowed at Clarke County Hospital weekdays between the hours of 7am and 7pm and weekends between the hours of 9am and 5pm and 24 hours per day in the Emergency Department.

Visitors must wear masks at all times while in the Hospital. 

End of Life

• Visitors must remain in the patient's room at all times.
• Visiting hours are 24/7.

Medical Surgical

• One Visitor per day per patient for non-isolation patients.
• Age restriction for Acute/Skilled/Observation patients remains 18 years old and greater.
• Visitors are required to wear a mask during the visit.
• Visitors should remain in the patient rooms and not congregate in hallways. May utilize café as needed.  
• One clergy member per patient, per day for non-isolation patients.
• Visiting hours are 7 AM to 7 PM
• A designated caregiver may be allowed 24 hours per day when a patient suffers from confusion, delirium or the patient is a dependent adult. 

Emergency Department

• One  visitor at a time for each adult non-isolation patient.
• Two parents are allowed with each child.
• One clergy member per patient, per day for non-isolation patients.
• Visitors should remain in the patient rooms and not congregate in hallways. May utilize café as needed. 
• Visiting hours 24/7.
• Patients and visitors should wear a mask at all times.

Clinic (Includes RHC/Independent Specialty Clinic)

• Patients and visitors should wear masks at all times.
• One visitor from the same household for isolation patients.

Surgery

• One visitor per patient will be allowed to wait in the surgery waiting room.
• One parent per patient for an infant or child. 
• One coach per patient may attend Joint Camp.
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times.

Lab/DI

• One visitor per patient. 
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times.

Outpatient Services/Infusion/Therapy Services

• One visitor per patient.
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times.

Business Office

• Customers may enter to deliver payments to the Business Office.

Clinical Classes (CPR, ACLS, PALS)

• Clarke County Hospital Employees may attend hospital classes. 
• Must social distance during class and wear a mask. 

All visitors and designated caregivers must:

• Enter through the Clarke County Hospital main entrance and go through a health screen prior to entering the Hospital. 
• Be free from illness such as fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or runny nose. 
• Wear a mask at all times when inside the Hospital. 
• Be 18 years or older.
• Always remain in the patient room - no congregating in the hallways.   May utilize the Cafe as needed.
• Limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas. 

All visitors and designated caregivers must be free of any signs of illness and go through a health screen before entering the hospital. Individuals at high risk for disease (e.g., underlying cardiopulmonary disease, poorly controlled diabetes) should not visit. 

All Visitors and Designated Caregivers are required to wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting patient's room. Staff members will provide instructions if additional PPE is required.

We understand these visitor restrictions may be difficult for you. While we are committed to providing a family-centered care environment, right now restricting visitors is in the best interest of our patients, staff, and community.

Thank you for your cooperation in this effort. For up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit clarkecountypublichealth.org.