SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital is implementing changes in response to concerns regarding COVID-19.
All WellStar facilities are open and continue to operate under normal business hours. The measures now being taken are in an “abundance of caution.”
They include the assembly of a team of infectious disease and infection prevention specialists from the WellStar Health System who are communicating daily to remain up-to-date on the latest developments, and to maintain preparations for patient care.
In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and for the health and safety of patients and WellStar team members, visitors are now being screened at all locations for symptoms of COVID-19.
Visitors should expect to have their temperature taken, have any potential symptoms reviewed and be prepared to respond to questions regarding their travel history.
Visitors who do not pass the screening will be asked to refrain from visiting patients until they have been self-quarantined for 14 days or all symptoms are resolved.
No patient who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has recently traveled from regions with widespread community spread of this illness will be permitted to have visitors.
These measures are temporary and are being utilized to limit community spread of COVID-19.
WellStar officials stressed that there is still a very low risk for people to contract this virus, and that the WellStar system is well-prepared to meet the health care needs of the communities it serves.