A Message to Our Community about COVID-19
Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing businesses, canceling gatherings and social distancing from those you love – are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve of this pandemic.
As expected, Owensboro Health has begun providing hospital care to patients testing positive for novel coronavirus. We are working closely with local and state public health authorities as they follow their protocols for investigating and notifying any individuals who may have had exposure to an individual who tests positive.
Who Should be Tested?
It’s natural to be nervous and want to be tested as a precaution, but it’s not necessary. Not everyone needs to be tested. In order to preserve our supplies, personal protective equipment and the capacity to treat those who require hospitalization, we must limit testing to those highest at risk and those with symptoms. When we use those supplies for testing on those who are simply worried, it affects our ability to care for the patient who really needs it.
More than 80 percent of confirmed coronavirus cases are not severe. That means if you are experiencing mild symptoms that would not normally cause you to visit your doctor, you should simply stay home and self-quarantine. While there is no approved treatment for the virus, most people are able to fully recover at home.
State and Federal Guidance
Information on when to seek care is posted on the Kentucky Public Health’s website at www.kycovid19.ky.gov. You can also visit the CDC’s website, which provides guidance on who should be tested and information about what happens after a test takes place.
When to seek care
To ensure the sickest people receive care, help minimize the spread of infection and main resources, please follow the guidelines below when considering whether to seek medical care.
Stay home
If you are worried-well, please stay home or call the Kentucky State Hotline (1-800-722-5725).
Going to a hospital or doctor's office adds to a higher concentration of people and further overwhelms medical staff.
Call for advice
If you are ill, but would not have sought care if not for COVID-19, do not seek in-person care at an ER, hospital or doctor's office.
Instead please call your local healthcare provider or local health department.
Seek care
If you are sick and feel you have an emergency, please call your doctor or seek medical care.
Hospitals and medical staff across the commonwealth stand ready to serve you.
Please visit kycovid19.ky.gov for the latest updates on COVID-19 in Kentucky or call the Kentucky state hotline at 1-800-722-5725.
Know Before You Go
If you still think you need testing, visit our Know Before You Go page for a self-assessment or call the Coronavirus Hotline at 877-888-6647 BEFORE seeking medical care. Trained nurses will answer your questions and, if needed, tell you how to get tested. You can also call your primary care provider for help assessing your symptoms. Owensboro Health providers offer virtual visits, so you don’t have to leave home.
Please do not show up at urgent care or the emergency department without calling the hotline first. However, if you do need emergency care, please call 911 or call the Emergency Department at 270-417-5911 when you are on your way and we will meet you outside to minimize risk of exposure.
We are overwhelmed by your support for our team members as they work the front lines against coronavirus. From the encouraging words and handmade signs to lift our spirits, to the numerous people stepping up to sew masks to keep us safe, we are reminded of the strength and spirit of the people we serve. We will establish drop-off sites for these items to make donating easier and to minimize extra traffic at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
Healthy At Home
Our team members are working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy. During these uncertain times we must all be good neighbors. Right now the best way to do that is by following these steps to protect yourself and your family:
- Practice social distancing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Thank you, again, for your support as we work to fight the spread of COVID-19.
