• Hospsital, nursing home visitation restricted
• Logan County libraries closed through April 4
• 911 callers should report any symptoms, international travel
Churches canceled Sunday services, and more public service agencies have announced closures and restricted visitors, as health officials and first responders prepare for the likely spread of COVID-19 coronavirus into Logan County.
Knowlton Library and all Logan County library branches will be closed effective today through “at least” April 4.
“The decision was made in the interest of public safety, and the library hopes that these precautions will help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our community,” executive director Judith Goodrich said in a release.
“Our library system is committed to serving the needs of the public while also working to ensure the safety and health of our patrons, staff and community during this pandemic.”
Mary Rutan Hospital has updated its visitation to policy to limit visitors to one person at a time for most patients. Additionally, all visitors will be screened and asked questions pertaining to international travel as well as whether they’ve been experiencing any symptoms in the last 24 hours.
All visitors are now required to enter through the emergency department, and that entrance will be open around-the-clock. Entrance to the cardiology department will be accessible for cardiology patients only between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and all visitors and patients will be screened prior to entering the facility.
“The health and safety of our patients and visitors is a top priority at Mary Rutan Hospital,” Laura Miller, MRH vice president of marketing and communications related in a statement.
“We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends is to patients during their hospital visit. At the same time, the COVID-19 coronavirus requires us to temporarily adjust our visitation policy to keep our patients and visitors safe from infection.”
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office has closed off public visitation at both the Logan County Jail, and the County Juvenile Detention Center.
Saturday, Green Hills Community announced the restriction of all visitors at the facility at the direction of the Ohio Department of Health.
Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott met Saturday with local fire and EMS officials to discuss the local community impact.
“COVID-19 is in Ohio, and is expected in Logan County,” Dr. Hoddinott related Friday in a public announcement.
Logan County fire and EMS departments are stressing to the public the need to report any symptoms of the virus immediately upon calling 911 or making any other call for service to a fire or EMS department.
“Let the dispatchers know if you have the symptoms related to COVID-19 — fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing,” Rushcreek Township Fire and EMS officials announced Sunday.
“There are now procedures in place to relay that information to us so we can have in place the proper equipment when we respond to calls.”
Residents are reminded that test kits are “extremely limited” in the community.
“As you would normally do with the flu, call your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your symptoms,” Dr. Hoddinott said. “Otherwise stay home with comfort care as you would with the ‘flu’ and follow public health guidelines.”
Health officials stress that anyone in need of emergency care should call ahead to the hospital for direction as to the best way to be received and treated.
Anyone that is currently healthy should continue to follow best practices such as washing your hands frequently, and for 20 seconds; refrain from touching your face; and staying out of large groups of people.
“These measures are proven to work,” Dr. Hoddinott said.