DCHC Increases Visitor Restrictions

May 6, 2020 – Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and local public health organizations, want to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, families, community and colleagues. Based on the latest information, one important way to enhance health and safety is to reduce exposure to potential disease carriers. The fewer people whom our patients come in contact with, the less likely they will be to contract COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

Effective May 7th, DCHC is increasing visitor restrictions. For the immediate future, no visitors will be allowed in our facility.

Some visitor exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances, including:

  • Children admitted to the hospital
  • Patients receiving end-of-life care

For approved exceptions, only one visitor per patient will be allowed. They must be:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Either immediate family members, powers of attorney, guardians or patient representatives
  • Healthy with no symptoms of illness, including respiratory or fever

As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

  • Staying home if you are sick
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • Thoroughly washing your hands 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
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

At DCHC, we are following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Iowa Public Health Department to screen patients for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs..

For individuals who have symptoms of illness, particularly with fever and cough or shortness of breath, your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. If you think you need healthcare, call first.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

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