Coronavirus Information

Hampton Regional Medical Center is closely following information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), to help keep our patients and families informed about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. HRMC has comprehensive infection control policies and procedures in place, and remain committed to keeping our patients, staff and community safe.

Click here for information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Amended Hospital Visitation Policy:

Effective Thursday, August 12, 2021, The following guidelines will therefore take effect:

• Access to the hospital will remain controlled. Patients and visitors will only be able to enter the building through the ER entrance.
  
  
• All patients and visitors must check-in upon entry and be screened.
  
  
• Any visitor who, based on screening, is deemed at risk for COVID-19 or who presents with any signs and symptoms of an acute illness will not be allowed to visit at that time.
  
  
• Visitation for all patients (outpatients and inpatients) which includes ICU, will be limited to one (1) immediate family member only or whomever the patient identifies as their primary caregiver per day. The hospital requests that the designated visitor be the same each day for in-patients and that all visitors refrain from exiting and re-entering the building during the day.
  
  
• In the Emergency Department, visitation will be limited to no more than one (1) person per patient.
  
  
• For patients that are coming into the hospital for an outpatient surgery or other procedure, one (1) visitor per patient will be allowed.
  
  
• All patient visitors will be issued a special ID badge which must always remain visible to hospital staff. The badge must be returned to the ER screening booth when the visitor leaves the building.
  
  
• Visitors will be expected to remain in the designated room/location of the patient that they are visiting or accompanying. For example, Inpatient visitors should remain in the room with the patient. ED visitors should remain in the ED exam room with the patient or the ED waiting area. Any person accompanying anyone for surgery will need to wait in the main hospital lobby. Visitors will have access to public restrooms.
  
  
• All visitors will be required to wear a mask while in the hospital. The hospital will supply one mask to each visitor if the visitor does not have a personal mask of their own.
  
  
• Visiting hours will be limited for all patients on the second floor as follows:
  
  HOURS:
  Regular In-patient Unit: 7:00am - 7:00pm
  Intensive Care Unit (ICU): 2:00pm - 5:00pm
  
• NOTE: ALL visitation for COVID-19 suspect or confirmed patients will continue to remain restricted. HRMC still encourages and supports the use of phone calls or FaceTime for these patients.
  
  
• The hospital will continue to provide flexibility on a case-by-case basis for end-of-life situations and pediatric patients (under the age of 18).
  
  
• Unfortunately, the cafeteria is closed to visitors at this time.

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HRMC continues to actively take additional safety precautions to ensure the ongoing safety of staff and patients:

• Masking: All persons entering the hospital, including hospital staff, are required to wear a face mask.
• Social distancing: Public areas, including waiting rooms, have been rearranged to allow safe social distancing.
• Screening: There continues to be a detailed screening process for anyone who enters the hospital, as this further ensures HRMC is identifying all symptomatic and/or at-risk patients immediately upon arrival.
• Enhanced Cleaning: HRMC has implemented enhanced cleaning policies. Environmental Services personnel have undergone extensive training related to these policies.

As the community continues to practice social distancing, HRMC urges the public not to delay seeking care, especially if experiencing a medical emergency. The hospital remains open and prepared to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in a safe environment.

COVID-19 Testing

A physician's order is required for COVID-19 testing. Specimen samples can be collected at our facility and sent to an outside reference lab for testing. To ensure judicious use of resources, only patients who meet the following CDC-approved criteria may receive a physician's order for testing:

• Signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19, including fever, cough and shortness of breath
• Recent travel to an affected country or state
• Close contact with any persons confirmed to have, or undergoing evaluation of having COVID-19

It is critically important to follow recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19, such as:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For persons who may be experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms, MUSC Health is offering free virtual care consultations and screenings to anyone in South Carolina. Visits can be booked here, using the promo code COVID19, for both new and existing patients. You may also call 843-792-7000 for more information. MUSC Health Virtual Care can be accessed by phone, online, or through chats 24-hours-a-day. The MUSC Health provider will determine if additional in-person care is necessary.

HRMC urges patients and visitors to please be patient as these measures are implemented in accordance with CDC guidelines. For the latest information about novel coronavirus, visit the CDC's website.

This page was adapted from CDC.gov, last accessed August 21, 2020: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html