Friday, February 28, 2020
SJRMC Continuing to Closely Monitor Coronavirus
The worldwide outbreak of novel coronavirus is continuing to evolve rapidly. However, with information changing daily, and sometimes even hourly, we are taking this situation very seriously.
Our Emergency Preparedness Team, an interdisciplinary group of physicians, nurses, infection control specialists, and other professionals at San Juan Regional Medical Center, is diligently working on institutional preparedness. Our primary concern is for the protection and safety of our patients and staff. The team has been closely monitoring the situation both abroad and at home, working in partnership with our city and county public safety and emergency management partners to protect the health and safety of our community.
As part of our coronavirus precautions, we are taking a proactive stance and request that only patients and immediate caregivers come to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care in order to reduce potential exposures. Please do not come to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care if you are well, unless it’s absolutely necessary. In addition, please do not visit patients in the hospital if you are sick. The best thing you can do to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands. The CDC recommends washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing or if your hands are visibly dirty. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The New Mexico Department of Health and the CDC have some great resources about the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation. Please check them out and stay informed. The Department of Health website includes information for the public, clinicians and laboratories: https://cv.nmhealth.org/ and the CDC website includes what you need to know, situation updates, and specific information for various populations.