Owensboro Health is one of many healthcare centers having to adapt to new restrictions, public hysteria and a series of ever-evolving changes as they work to mitigate the coronavirus that’s spread across the country. Though zero cases have been confirmed in Daviess County at this time, OH said they are handling the situation as though COVID-19 is already here.
Chief Medical Officer Francis DuFrayne said all decisions are being made 30 days in advance.
“We meet every day and will revisit the decisions we’ve made once a week,” DuFrayne said. “Whether we extend visitor restrictions or stop those visitor restrictions will depend on the pandemic itself.”
For now, Owensboro Health has implemented visitor restrictions, and those who come through hospital doors must be screened for signs of fever and other symptoms of COVID-19 before being allowed to enter.
These restrictions have been upsetting for many, but they are necessary in keeping Owensboro Health Regional Hospital patients safe, DuFrayne said.
“Right now we don’t have any cases and that’s wonderful,” he said. “But if we wait until the first case happens, we’re too late. We’ve got to be fully prepared. It’s our top priority. You can’t wait until the day it happens.”
Less than 10 people have been tested for COVID-19 at Owensboro Health, but all have tested negative so far, DuFrayne said.
Despite fears across America regarding a lack of COVID-19 testing kits, DuFrayne said Owensboro Health has some available right now. However, he said, the testing regulations are extremely strict and each case must be approved by the state’s public health department.
“Testing is tightly controlled, and there are two reasons for that,” DuFrayne said. “One, there’s not enough testing kits. And two, they don’t want to create a public sense of panic and be administering a great number of tests that would never need to be done.”
DuFrayne hopes Owensboro Health’s COVID-19 testing kits can be replenished in the near future, but said those seeking a test should display “severe” symptoms of the virus, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Those with light or moderate symptoms should call the Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline, 877-888-6647, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“If you’re concerned about yourself or a person you know about, call this number rather than going to the emergency department or hospital,” he said. “The nurse will ask you questions, and if you fit the criteria, we call the state department of health.”
Otherwise, DuFrayne said those with light or moderate symptoms should just stay home.
“There’s no treatment for it anyway, so if you’ve got a fever, cough or shortness of breath and you normally wouldn’t fit the hospital or doctor for that, just stay home,” DuFrayne said.
“We’re assuming it’s here, and that’s the approach we’re taking. Some cases are so mild, they’re not being reported. If we follow the numbers elsewhere then, yes, it could be out there [in Daviess County].”
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
