Local hospital, clinics, pharmacy are taking precautions
(By Regina Lorenz, Osmond Republican)
OSMOND — Medical groups in Osmond have been taking precautions after news that COVID-19, the new coronavirus disease, has become a pandemic, and following advice of government officials to maintain social distancing.
Among those making statements Osmond Medical Clinic, Osmond General Hospital and Osmond Pharmacy.
Osmond Medical Clinic
Riley Eckmann, MD, of the Osmond/Bloomfield Medical clinics, gave the following statement:
Possibly only 40-50% of cases of COVID-19 could present with a fever, possibly higher. Don’t assume if you do not have a fever that you don’t have it. Symptoms can be very mild and mimic a common cold.
You can still transmit the disease to others without a fever. If you have mild symptoms, please DO NOT come to the clinic or ER. Unfortunately, right now, we cannot test everyone with mild symptoms. We are ONLY able to test those with a known contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, AND with specific symptoms.
Hopefully, as more tests are developed, this will change and I will try to keep you updated. This is why so many events have been postponed or cancelled and social distancing is recommended. If you need to go somewhere, the magic distance is six feet.
Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your face. If you have symptoms, even if mild, try to avoid going out in public. Please let someone else run your errands if need be.
All of this seems extreme and very inconvenient, but if we can work together to slow this down, we can avoid a complete shutdown that other governments have had to enforce and the mass flooding of critically ill patients into our already strained healthcare system.
Yes, we live in the greatest country in the world, but Coronavirus does not discriminate. We are just as at risk as these other countries. We have the fortune at this time to have learned from their mistakes, see what works and what doesn’t work, and have more time to learn about this novel virus.
This too shall pass. On the bright side, now is a great time to reconnect with your household family members and enjoy some quality time without all the running and activities.
Osmond General Hospital
Osmond General Hospital administrators stated the following: Osmond General Hospital is taking the following precautions to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff:
* If you need to be seen by a provider and are experiencing any respiratory illness symptoms (cough, fever, runny nose), please call ahead (748-3393) and wait outside to be met by a nurse prior to entering the facility.
* If you plan to visit a family member, please limit to one visitor at a time.
* No visitors under the age of 16.
* Only the two east main entrances are available. All other doors are locked.
* All visitors will be screened at the hospital entrance.
* If you think you may have been exposed, please remain at home and call your healthcare provider.
Administrators advised: “We will keep you posted as updates are available. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Osmond Pharmacy
Scott Taylor at Osmond Pharmacy stated: “We have and will be open regular hours and at this point have not experienced drug shortages or limitations. We love to see you in person; however, we understand that you may run into a sick person or two, and while we are diligently cleaning and disinfecting all the time, it may be safer to stay home and take advantage of our mail service or have your prescriptions delivered to you.
Family 1st Dental
A message from Family 1st Dental of Wausa and osmond stated that they will be closed until April 1.
