Effectively immediately, visitor guidelines have changed at Baptist hospitals due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
This includes Baptist-Tipton, the 100-bed facility in Covington.
“Baptist is strongly committed to the health and well-being of our patients and family members, team members, physicians and community,” said communications coordinator Caroline Gillard. “With a growing number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19) in the United States, it is now imperative that Baptist remains vigilant in providing a safe environment for our patients and employees.
On Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee declared a state of emergency for Tennessee due to the pandemic.
The following guidelines are now in place:
- Any patient visitor with respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should stay home. Special circumstances may be considered.
- We strongly recommend limiting the number of visitors to two per patient.
- Hospitals should use discretion and may screen visitors for signs and symptoms of infection.
While you are a visitor:
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Or, sneeze into the crook of your arm.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet).
Visitors to COVID-19 patients will be limited on a case by case method.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
