HRMC issues a statement regarding COVID19

VARNVILLE, S.C. (March 16, 2020) – Beginning Wednesday March 18, 2020, Hampton Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is implementing a single-entry point through the Emergency Department for all patients and visitors. As a proactive measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses, all patients and visitors must be screened prior to entry. Please be advised all other hospital entrances will be closed until further notice. To keep our environment safe for patients, staff and visitors, new hospital policies will include:

• The Emergency Department will be the only entrance to the facility. The ED will remain open and accessible 24/7.
• Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 1:30pm, the hospital cafeteria will close to the public until further notice.
• Persons with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to visit patients or patient care areas.
• All visitation is restricted at the facility. There are two exceptions to this policy:

- One adult visitor is allowed per pediatric patient.
- Patients requiring end-of-life or hospice care will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

A physician’s order is required for COVID-19 testing. Specimen samples can be collected at our facility and sent to LabCorp 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 at www.musc.care, 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.