Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Message From Hurley
The global pandemic we’re facing is changing so many things about the way we live, the way we work, and the way patients seek care. We’re thinking differently about our health, our safety and how to care for ourselves and our families in these challenging times. We want to assure you that at Hurley, we’re here for you– now more than ever.
The care we provide really starts with who we are – a trusted community and regional health care resource. Although many things in all of our lives will continue to look different as a result of the pandemic, you can still count on the care that you have come to expect from Hurley Medical Center.
For the foreseeable future, we will continue to have very stringent visitor restrictions in place and we will require universal masking in all of our facilities. Please know that these interventions are necessary for the safety and welfare of our employees, patients and visitors.
As we begin to reschedule surgeries and get appointments back on the calendar that were postponed due to COVID-19, we want to reassure you that Hurley has implemented other safety protocols to preclude transmission of COVID-19. These include additional aggressive cleaning processes, appropriate social distancing placement of patients in waiting areas, as well as testing protocols for pre-procedural and pre-surgical patients. Again, this is our commitment to continuing to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. We appreciate your understanding as we enforce these safety measures.
As we find our way to our new normal, we know that Covid-19 will be a part of our considerations for a long while to come, however, we encourage you to be mindful of your health and don’t delay necessary care. We encourage you, as always, to call your doctor first to seek care when possible. Schedule appointments with your doctor for chronic conditions, illnesses and minor injuries. Of course, our urgent care centers and emergency departments remain available for those who need urgent or emergency care.
As we have always been and will continue to be…..Hurley is here for you.
Current Information
For immediate, up-to-date information on Covid-19, Hurley Medical Center recommends the official website of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. For detailed information regarding the status of Covid-19 in Michigan, please visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
FAQs
What should I do if I’m symptomatic (cough, fever, difficulty breathing) and suspect I may have been exposed to COVID-19?
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with existing cases of COVID-19. Your healthcare provider will work with the local health department to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. They will also provide you with guidance for how to manage your visit to their office and what precautions you should take to avoid infecting others. If possible, virtual or telehealth visits should be used if available to avoid spreading the virus. If in-person care is necessary, the office may advise you to wear a surgical mask if you have one; wait in your vehicle/outside to be transported into the facility away from other patients; and more.
Who gets tested for COVID-19?
The CDC has issued guidance to healthcare providers for determining which patients likely need testing. Providers will use their judgement of a patient’s symptoms, travel history and risk factors to evaluate a patient. The provider will then contact the local health department to make a final determination and execute the testing process.
Does everyone who suspects COVID-19 need medical treatment?
No. The vast majority of cases diagnosed thus far around the world have been mild or completely without symptoms and may be cared for by staying home and using comfort care similar to those for a cold: fluids, rest and over-the-counter medications. Hospitals will focus on caring for those who have more severe cases of the virus, such as populations with underlying health issues that put them at greater risk.
Where is the best source of up-to-date information about COVID-19?
For residents and providers in Michigan, the MDHHS website is the best place to start as it contains both Michigan-specific information and the CDC’s guidance for the public and healthcare providers. You can visit the site at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Should I be wearing a facemask to protect myself from the virus?
Yes. The CDC recommends that everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.