For Immediate Release

Lake Isabella, California March 16, 2020 – The true impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in a U.S. community cannot be predicted.  However, all healthcare facilities can take steps now to prepare for such an outbreak, and protect both their patients and staff.  Reported illnesses have ranged from nearly no symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.  Most cases reported have been mild.  Complicating the situation is the fact that we are in the midst of flu season which has very similar symptoms. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

·        Fever

·        Cough

·        Shortness of breath

We ask that you call ahead to your healthcare provider if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and/or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread.  Your healthcare provider will work with our county public health department to determine if you need to be tested. PLEASE BE ADVISED if you come into Mountain View Health Center, YOU ARE ASKED TO REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE, and call into the office (760) 379-1791. Staff will advise you what you need to do. PLEASE BE AWARE you may be required to wear a mask.  This is for your protection, as well as for other patients and our staff.  If you come to our emergency room and suspect you may be infected with COVID-19, YOU ARE ASKED TO REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE and call (760)379-2681 extension 223. If you are brought into the emergency room and meet the criteria, expect to be placed in isolation as a precaution as to not spread the virus.

 Those patients coming for physical therapy will have their temperature taken. If it is determined, you have a fever you will need to reschedule your appointment. We ask if you are not feeling well or have a temperature prior to your appointment please call (760) 379-2681 ext. 264 to reschedule your appointment. If you have someone accompanying you to your appointment, they can bring you to the door but will be required to wait in their vehicle during your appointment.

Patient Visitation is restricted until further notice. For the safety of our Skilled Nursing residents and those in our acute care unit we are proactively restricting visitation in the hospital for their safety and well-being.

We are currently making contact with family members regarding the restrictions we have put in place. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case situation and can only be approved by Administration.  As was announced today, the weak link in the coronavirus outbreak is the condition of the nation’s healthcare work force.  For this reason, we are taking these measures to protect our staff and providers, so that they will be here when you need them.

THERE ARE NO VACCINES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME FOR COVID-19, and THERE IS NO CURE OR MEDICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR COVID-19.

The most effective way to protect yourself, loved ones and our community is to WASH YOUR HANDS ‘OFTEN’ with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails.

If soap and water are not accessible, using an alcohol-based sanitizer is also effective. If you blow your nose, cough or (sneeze) WASH YOUR HANDS; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food – WASH YOUR HANDS.

Avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people or pets in your home. Clean any surfaces that are “high-touch areas” such as phones, keyboards, toilets, bathroom fixtures, etc.

As of March 16, there are still no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kern County.

For additional information regarding Kern County, please go to Kern County Public Health’s website listed below. We have also included the California Department of Public Health’s website as well.

For additional information:

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019

https://kernpublichealth.com/2019-novel-coronavirus/