CLICK BELOW TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH DAVE LORD, OSF ST FRANCIS HOSPITAL
Addressing the impacts resulting from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been and remains a top priority for OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group.
Over the course of the past month, there has been a steady increase in positive cases of COVID-19 in our community. Taking precautions to protect the health and safety of the community as well as local health care providers is more important than ever.
“While we are deeply committed to providing the best care and treatment to all in support of our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love, the strains on our staff and system are real,” stated William Hook, MD, Director of Medical Services at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group. “We need the continued support and efforts of everyone in our community to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and decrease the burden on our local and regional health care systems.”
In addition to getting vaccinated if you are able, simple precautions can reduce the spread of COVID-19. These include wearing a mask in public, especially indoors, watching your physical distance from others and practicing good handwashing habits or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
In addition, it is important to know what to do if exposed to someone with COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms. As a reminder, the following is recommended.
If fully vaccinated and had contact with someone with COVID-19:
- If symptom-free, you do not need to quarantine.
- Get tested 3 to 5 days after being exposed.
- Wear a mask around others for 14 days following contact.
If unvaccinated and had contact with someone with COVID-19:
- Quarantine for 14 days after last contact with the person.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms and seek medical care if they develop.
- Stay away from people you live with (isolate), especially those at higher risk of serious illness.
If experiencing COVID-19 symptoms:
- Stay home and isolate from others for 10 days.
- Get tested 3 to 5 days after onset of symptoms.
- Get rest and stay hydrated.
- Take over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol.
- Seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
In response to the increase in COVID-19 cases as well as in anticipation of more cases in the coming weeks as kids return to school, OSF has put the following resources back in place:
- Local COVID-19 Triage line is manned from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, please call (906) 233-4225 for any questions associated with COVID-19 exposures, symptoms or testing.
- Drive up COVID-19 testing is available from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Testing is for asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms) patients and no appointment is needed.
- If you are having mild symptoms, have an OSF Primary Care Provider and would like to be tested for COVID – please call your Primary Care Provider’s office.
- If you are having mild or moderate symptoms, do NOT have an OSF Primary Care Provider and would like to be tested for COVID – please call the local OSF COVID-19 Triage line at (906) 233-4225 to speak with a nurse who will determine where to schedule a testing appointment or direct you where to go for care.
- If you are having mild to moderate symptoms and would like to be evaluated – please go to the Walk-in Clinic.
- Walk-in Clinic Hours are:
o Monday – Friday from 10:00 am. – 7:00 p.m.
o Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
o Holidays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- If you are having moderate to severe symptoms – please go to the nearest Emergency Department. Patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be directed to call a phone number upon arrival before entering the Emergency Department waiting room.
As a reminder, in accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are required in health care settings regardless of vaccination status.
If you do not have a Primary Care Provider and would like to become an OSF patient, please call our New Patient Coordinator at (906) 233-4288. In addition, OSF patients should register for an OSF MyChart account at www.osfmychart.org to receive COVID-19 test results in the quickest manner possible.
For more COVID-19 information and resources, please visit osfhealthcare.org/covid19.
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