Press Release
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.
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/