Do you have questions about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Like hospitals across the country, Glens Falls Hospital has been working to ensure we are equipped to respond to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and have been proactive in our planning efforts, ensuring our staff are well-prepared to respond to any potential cases reported in our area. We continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the New York State Department of Health, to ensure we remain aware of the latest developments and resources available to providers. Below please find some frequently asked questions and answers:
1. I just returned from a country that has cases of COVID-19 OR I’ve had contact with someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19:
WHAT DO I DO?
If you have no symptoms, self-monitor for 14 days paying special attention to any fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, cough, and fatigue. Symptoms may also include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell. If any of these arise follow the steps below.
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS:
- If you are symptomatic and do not need higher medical attention. Stay home, self-isolate and monitor temperature.
- If you are symptomatic and need higher medical care (NON-URGENT) call your county health department FIRST, they can direct you to the appropriate care. Make sure that the medical facility knows you are coming, and you have the risk factors for COVID-19 this is so they can prepare for your arrival. Contact information can be found below.
- If you require urgent medical attention- call the urgent care center or emergency room, you will be going to so they can prepare for your arrival. They will instruct you which entry point to drive to.
- If you are calling for EMS- notify them of your risk factors.
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS BUT NO RISK FACTORS:
- Remember it is still flu season and flu onset has similar symptoms to COVID 19.
- Stay home, self-isolate and monitor temperature.
- If you need non-urgent medical care, call your doctor.
- If you require urgent medical attention visit your urgent care center or ER and let them know you have flu-like symptoms and that you do not have risk factors for COVID 19.
FOR ALL:
Always practice good hand hygiene including frequent washing and the use of alcohol based sanitizers. If you are experiencing flu like symptoms – sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, congestion, and cough – avoid contact with others, and call your doctor. For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/locations-confirmed-cases.html
County Health Department Contact Information
2. Do you have any patients in the hospital with the Coronavirus?
The Public Health Department tracks all the confirmed cases across New York State. If you want to see the list of confirmed cases, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
3. When will the current visitor policy lift that is in place for the Coronavirus?
Due to confirmed cases of COVID 19 regionally, and out of an abundance of caution and care for our community we have implemented stricter visitor guidelines. We will change our visitor policy when we are informed that COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our community. Our top priority is making sure that our community is safe.
4. Should I postpone elective surgery or outpatient testing?
While we always respect your healthcare choices, we are taking every precaution to ensure optimal outcomes for our community, patients, staff and families.
5. I heard that the GFH Cafeteria is now for employees only – is that true?
Effective March 13, 2020, the GFH Cafeteria will be for STAFF ONLY. All visitors are welcome to visit Au Bon Pain located on the 1st floor of the Tower, across from the Gift Atrium.
To get to Au Bon Pain, please take the Central Elevators to the 1st floor. When you exit, turn left and continue around GFH until you reach the Tower Lobby. The cafe will be straight ahead.
6. Why are masks not being provided to everyone – both visitors and patients – at the hospital?
Masks are provided to those patients who present to Glens Falls Hospital for care, who show symptoms of respiratory illness. In order to protect our patients, healthcare workers, and the public, the hospital is not allowing any visitors who have any of the following symptoms to enter the facility: sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, congestion, or cough.
7. How are people being tested for the virus?
At this time, Community testing has been suspended. For more information please click here.
8.What steps are being taken by EVS to help prevent the spread of infection?
The environmental services team at Glens Falls Hospital sanitize each patient room, with a product registered as being effective in fighting both bacteria and viruses, to ensure the safety and cleanliness of every patient stay.