FACT VS FEAR: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
WICKENBURG, AZ (March 16, 2020) – Wickenburg Community Hospital, Wickenburg Police, Fire and the Town of Wickenburg have instituted precautionary measures should a surge of illness reach our community.
Four novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been identified in Maricopa County but none in Wickenburg or surrounding communities. Maricopa County Health Department has stated Arizona’s level of community COVID-19 spread is considered minimal.
To help slow the spread of the disease, Karen Smith RN Infection Preventionist at Wickenburg Community Hospital stated, “Wash your hands frequently using soap or hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable, cover your cough or sneeze, and avoid large gatherings when possible. Remember, we screen for infectious diseases every day at the hospital and apply top-notch disinfection protocols always”.
Jim Tavary Hospital President and CEO stated, “Our hospital and clinics stay current with all Federal and State COVID-19 guidelines and directives. This is a very safe environment and we encourage patients to avoid rescheduling appointments for diagnostic and treatment services. We’re doing everything possible to assure patient safety and comfort throughout their visit”.
For additional patient safety, Wickenburg Community Hospital has designated special patient entries to assist spatial separation. If you are running a high fever associated with cough or have an emergency, please utilize the 24/7 Walk-In Emergency Entrance off Rose Lane. For patients with appointments for lab work, please enter through the Rose Lane Main Entrance and for patients checking in for medical diagnostic exams, please use the Bralliar Main Entrance to register.
Wickenburg Community Hospital continues to receive daily briefings from Maricopa County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and at this time, no vaccine or medications have been identified to shorten symptoms. Whether a positive or negative test result, patients not requiring hospitalization all receive the same treatment recommendations; Tylenol or ibuprofen for fever and body aches and plenty of liquids for hydration.
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