In an effort to keep the community updated on the COVID-19 virus and how Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCH) is responding to the pandemic, we are sharing a bullet list of hot topics:
• To date, DCH has tested 15 people for the COVID-19 virus and we received three test results. We are pleased to report the results of the three tests are negative. Increased statewide testing has slowed down the test results turnaround time, but we will update as results are received.
• In compliance with Executive Order 2020-17 issued by Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, the DCH Medical Executive Committee, Hospital Board of Trustees, COVID-19 steering committee, and Hospital Administration, DCH has decided that for the benefit and safety of patients and staff to temporarily postpone all non-essential procedures. For these purposes, non-essential procedure means a medical or dental procedure that is not necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve the health and safety of a patient, as determined by a licensed medical provider.
•DCH visitor restrictions: ONLY ONE VISITOR AT A TIME PER PATIENT IS ALLOWED AND THEY MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING PATIENT – VISITOR CRITERIA:
Terminally and Critically Ill Patient – Immediate family, spouse, or significant other only
Pediatric Patient – Parent and or care giver only
OB Patient – Spouse, significant other or coach only
Power of Attorney or legal guardian – Spouse, significant other or care giver only
Exigent or official government visit
•Health evaluation checkpoints are in place at four entry points onto the DCH campus. DCH must perform a mandatory health evaluation of all individuals that are not under the care of the facility, each time the individual seeks to enter the facility, and must deny entry to those individuals who do not meet the evaluation criteria.
The evaluation criteria must include: symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat; and contact in the last 14 days with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. A temperature reading will also be taken and anyone with a temperature reading of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted onto the premises. The health evaluation is mandatory for all visitors and employees and the results will be documented. The evaluation is brief and only takes a few moments.
•The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Watch for the following symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs
include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or
concerning.
•COVID-19 tests are limited and a screening process is in place to determine who is eligible to be tested.
FOR DCH TO COLLECT A SPECIMEN FOR COVID-19 TESTING, A PATIENT MUST HAVE AN ORDER FROM HIS OR HER FAMILY DOCTOR. Healthcare providers will determine if a patient meets the testing criteria.
Current criteria* include:
Individuals presenting with signs/symptoms of COVID-19 infection who are identified as a known
contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 Infection and are not members of the same household or
congregate living situation as the confirmed case (unless as part of a public health investigation).
Individuals who become symptomatic while being in a 14-day monitoring and quarantine period
(such as, but not limited to, monitoring due to travel from a region with widespread transmission).
Symptomatic individuals who are part of a public health investigation of a cluster of illness
associated with a vulnerable population (e.g., long term care facility).
Symptomatic individuals who may be more likely to infect many of people or a vulnerable
population (e.g., healthcare providers and those living in congregate settings like dorms, camps,
long term care facilities).
Individuals presenting with severe illness requiring hospitalization and having no other identified
etiology.
*This will be adjusted as the COVID-19 epidemic evolves and information needs change.
•A temporary specimen collection site has been established. Staged at the Southeast corner of the hospital
campus / outside the Radiology loading dock, the collection site serves as a COVID-19 specimen collection
site and provides easy access for those who are giving a specimen, while preventing any potentially COVID19 infected persons from entering the hospital. FOR DCH TO COLLECT A SPECIMEN FOR COVID-19 TESTING,
A PATIENT MUST HAVE AN ORDER FROM HIS OR HER FAMILY DOCTOR.
•COVID-19 Hotline is in place to answer COVID-19 related questions, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4
p.m. 906-776-5858. The hotline is available to the public and healthcare providers.
We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we focus on the safety and well-being of our
community. You have our assurance that your local hospital is a very safe place and we are ready to care
for you should you need us.
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