Covid-19 Update - 3/16/20
March 16, 2020
The coronavirus is impacting our nation in a way that we have not seen in many years. Many aspects of our daily routine are being affected. As a nation we are struggling with obtaining some basic supplies, schools closing, businesses temporally closing down, and many of our social outlets no longer meeting. Sanders County residents are a robust, self-sufficient group of folks that also care deeply about their neighbors and families. Because of those characteristics I believe we will weather these challenges well.
Clark Fork Valley Hospital is doing all it can to be a good community member in this situation. We have monitored state and national recommendations and are using that information to formulate our plans to deliver health care services during this critical time. First and foremost, I want you each to remember that your efforts to prevent the spread of this virus are of paramount importance. WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY, COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH WITH YOUR FLEXED ELBOW WHEN COUGHING AND SNEEZING, AND IF SICK THEN STAY AWAY FROM OTHERS. These measures will help significantly in limiting the spread of disease.
We are establishing a nurse hotline for advice and a clinic dedicated to respiratory illness located at the hospital. Details of accessing both will follow when in place. We have limited visitation at the hospital and long term care. No visitation is allowed in long term care (nursing home) so we will establish video capability for friends and family members to “see” their loved ones. Only a single visitor at any one time will be allowed in the hospital and that person must be healthy and at least 17 years old. When you enter the hospital or any of the clinics we operate you will need to complete a questionnaire that we will use to determine how we can best serve you and protect others if need be.
The needs of handling this pandemic are constantly changing. We will continue to monitor state and federal recommendations and requirements and respond appropriately. Most importantly we remain dedicated to serving the health of our friends, families, and neighbors.
Gregory S. Hanson, MD
CEO Clark Fork Valley Hospital