Everyone entering OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville or OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana is now being required to wear a mask. The policy was implemented as a pro-active measure to ensure the health and safety of patients, visitors, vendors and employees (Mission Partners).
Exceptions are made for those younger and two years old or those with medical conditions that prohibit wearing a mask.
‘’Wearing a mask over the nose and mouth helps to contain respiratory secretions and reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19,’’ said Dr. Jared Rogers, Regional President of the two OSF Medical Centers. ‘’Masking is additional protection which will address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of the virus,’’ added Rogers.
Patients are continuing to be screened in tents set-up outside the emergency departments. They will be given a mask to wear while interacting with medical staff. In addition, visitors and vendors will be asked to wear a personal mask. If a personal mask is not available, a disposable mask will be provided.
All OSF Mission Partners (employees) will also be required to wear masks in public spaces, whether personal or provided by OSF HealthCare. Employees who provide direct patient care will be issued appropriate personal protective equipment by OSF.
Both the OSF hospitals have strict visitor guidelines in place which will continue. They restrict visitors to one per patient for critically ill patients, those at the end of life, and labor & delivery.
For more information on novel coronavirus, visit the OSF HealthCare COVID-19 digital hub at: www.osfhealthcare.org/covid19/.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and it is not an emergency, DO NOT go to a hospital or doctor’s office. Instead, OSF says use one of the digital care options they provide. You can connect through Clare, a digital assistant through the OSF website, or by calling the 24/7 nurse hotline at 833-OSF-KNOW (833-673-5669).
