Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

COVID-19 Online Risk Assessment

To help support the health of our community, we are providing access to an online COVID-19 risk assessment developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This tool does NOT provide a diagnosis, and it should NOT be used as a substitute for an assessment made by a healthcare provider.

Begin CDC Online Assessment

For Patients and Visitors:

At Harris Regional Hospital, our top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community. We continue to closely monitor the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and follow state and federal guidance as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients. Please be advised that effective Novembr 30th, Harris Regional Hospital and assiociated entities will be enforcing a no visitor policy. The following information outlines updated policies per departments.

No visitors/companions under any circumstance will be permitted to stay if they have existing signs/symptoms of respiratory illness, including: fever, cough, or shortness of breath

Inpatient – no visitors to inpatient areas
a. Exceptions include
i. Visitors may be allowed to visit loved ones who are gravely ill, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.
ii. Visitors may be allowed when their presence is essential to the patient’s emotional well-being, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.
Emergency Department – No visitors to the emergency department. Visitors/companions that arrive with patients will be asked to leave and return if needed for patient pick-up.
a. Exceptions include
i. Visitors may be allowed to visit loved ones who are gravely ill, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.
ii. Visitors may be allowed when their presence is essential to the patient’s emotional well-being, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.
Outpatient Surgery – No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs. Parents/guardians of pediatric patients may remain in ASU in the patient’s room if not ill.
i. Visitors may be allowed when their presence is essential to the patient’s emotional well-being, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.
Outpatient lab/radiology/PT - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs
Labor/Delivery & Mother/Baby – no visitors and no siblings. One support person may be allowed to remain throughout stay.
Pediatric patients in all areas – no visitors, but parents or legal guardians will be permitted to remain with patient if they themselves are not ill.
Urgent Care - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs
Cancer Center - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs
Sleep Lab - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs
Pain Clinic - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs
Cardiopulmonary - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication need
Infusion - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication need
Wound Care - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs
Physician Practices - No visitors, no companions/drivers to remain present unless assistance is needed for mobility/communication needs

Special/Extenuating Circumstances

Visitors may be allowed to visit loved ones who are gravely ill, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception. Visitors may be allowed when their presence is essential to the patient’s emotional well-being, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.

We know that these increased precautions may seem concerning. We do not want to cause alarm – but we do want to send a clear message to our community that we are prepared, responding appropriately and are committed to protecting the well-being of our patients, visitors, employees and community.

These increased safety measures do NOT mean that you cannot access the hospital or your providers. Please seek medical care as needed. And if you are concerned you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your provider in advance of going to his or her office. Of course, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Harris Regional Hospital values the trust our community places in us, and we appreciate your understanding as we shift our visitation policies during this time.

Mask Guidelines:

Harris Regional Hospital is taking every precaution to keep our patients and staff safe, and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our facilities. For this reason, we are following the CDC recommendation that anyone who enters our facility must wear a face mask at all times.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mask from home to help conserve hospital supplies for patients and staff.

Why wear a mask?

Recent studies show that universal masking, in addition to practicing social distancing and proper hand hygiene, can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, especially in individuals who may not know they are ill. And until there is a vaccine, these measures are our best line of defense in protecting not only you, but also our healthcare workers and community members.

Please be smart and do your part. Wear a mask! We all have a responsibility to protect one another against the spread of COVID-19 and make our communities healthier.

For more information from the CDC on face coverings and how to make your own, click here.

To learn more about the many ways we are working to ensure your safety while you are in our care, click here.

Telehealth Now Available:

Patients can request a telehealth visit by calling their provider’s office, just as they would for an in-person visit. The provider will determine if a telehealth visit is appropriate based on the patient’s health condition. If the virtual visit is deemed clinically appropriate, the patient will be given an appointment time and instructions for the best way to connect given the available platforms.

A few restrictions on telephonic visits may apply, including that they cannot be utilized to treat patients for a condition that the patient has been seen for in the previous seven days, and they cannot be used to treat a condition that the patient is already coming in for within the next 24 hours.

Patients who are concerned they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to consider telemedicine appointments to help further reduce the spread of respiratory illness. Leveraging telemedicine also conserves personal protective equipment (PPE) and other clinical resources that are needed when treating a patient with suspected COVID-19 in the clinic or hospital setting.

Antibody testing:

Harris Regional Hospital can perform the antibody testing using the Abbott Architect.

According to the CDC, Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which can show if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections and usually provide protection against getting that disease again (immunity). Antibodies are disease specific. For example, measles antibody will protect a person who is exposed again to measles but will have no effect if the person is exposed to mumps.

Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose COVID-19. To see if you are currently infected, you need a viral test. Viral tests identify the virus in samples from your respiratory system, such as swabs from the inside of your nose.

Testing can only be performed with a doctor's order.

Quick Links

Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19.
For more information on the virus, please contact the Jackson County Department of Public Health.