COVID-19 in Kearny County

At Kearny County Hospital, we are committed to keeping our team, patients, visitors, and our community safe by implementing key mitigation tactics to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. We regularly update our processes and policies to promote safety and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Signage will be posted on kiosks to reflect visitor restrictions and whether self-screening and/or masking optional or mandatory based on our transmission rate/case count and Visitor Guidelines Matrix. The kiosks and posters next to the kiosks list symptoms of potential infectious diseases.

Current Level: 1

• Screening is optional before entering the building. There are screening kiosks at all entrances.

• Masking is optional.

• Welcoming all visitors (no restrictions).

Screening

All patients, visitors and team members are responsible for screening for any symptoms corresponding with the current infectious disease. Self-screening will be optional for low and moderate transmission risk (Level 1: Low – Moderate Transmission Risk). For Substantial to High (Level 2-3 accordingly) self-screening with the kiosks will be required for visitors and patients. All team members will continue to self-monitor and report to the COVID-19 team if symptoms occur to determine if testing is needed.

 Masking

While the CDC no longer requires universally masking in every care setting, masking is encouraged and/or required in certain circumstances to promote the health and safety of our team, patients, and communities as masks continue to be a key tool for infection prevention and control:

• Masking can be required in direct patient care settings at any time based on observing a Level 3 transmission rate/case count.
• Team Members and/or Patients with symptoms of any illness or confirmed positivity are required to wear a mask while inside the facility.
• Mask requirements may vary by location. Patients and visitors should be prepared to wear a mask while inside our facilities. Areas that require masking will be clearly identified.
• Masks are also strongly encouraged in care settings in which a patient or team member is immunocompromised or at high risk of infection.
• We are sensitive to patient preferences and comfort. If you prefer that those on your care team wear masks, simply ask. We will gladly accommodate your request.
• Additionally, please respect those around you who choose to wear a mask. The health system continues to encourage masking and respects those who opt to wear a mask to protect themselves and others.

CDC masking (source control) guidance no longer includes universal masking in healthcare facilities. To learn more about CDC guidance, go to Infection Control: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC

Visitor Restrictions:

The CDC continues to recommend limiting visitors, visitors are restricted when the facility is at a Level 2 and Level 3. The following restrictions are in place during Level 2 and Level 3:

• Level 2 (Substantial Transmission Risk) visitors are limited to 2 visitors per patient at a time.
• Level 3 (High Transmission Risk) no visitors are permitted except in instances of:
  • Comfort Care/End of Life Circumstances
  • Birth of a Child – allowed 1 visitor
  • Pediatric Patients/Legal Guardian – allowed 1-2 visitors

This is a precaution to protect our patients, team, visitors, and communities. If a visit meets the above criteria, visitors will be screened before being approved to visit. All visitors should be free of symptoms, illnesses, and known exposure.

Visitors will be restricted for the following reasons:

• If the Visitor has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19 and is not at the facility for care
• If the Visitor has ANY Infectious Diagnosis (such as COVID-19, Flu, RSV, etc.) or related symptoms such as: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headaches, loss of taste/smell, sore throat, congestion and/or runny nose, nausea and/or vomiting, or diarrhea.

The CDC continues to recommend limiting visitors, but visitors are not restricted from patients with active COVID-19 infections. The CDC recommends limited in-person visitation while a COVID-19 patient is infectious. At Kearny County Hospital, visitors of COVID-19 patients should adhere to infection prevention principles consistent with national standards of practice. Visitors are advised to follow current safety guidelines:

• Wear a gown, surgical mask, eye protection and gloves while visiting.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the room.
• Complete a risk waiver.

Our care team will explain these protocols to visitors and answer any visitor questions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. By putting these precautions in place, we are protecting our patients, team, and communities. For more information, please visit CDC Coronavirus Website at http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.