In response to the recent news of Skagit County Public Health declaring a disaster, and the additional positive cases within Skagit County, we will begin screening staff, providers, volunteers and visitors entering our facility with the goal of mitigating the spread of COVID-19.  This process will include limiting building access points, reducing entrance hours and screening 100% of those entering. A modified visitor policy will be also implemented.

“We are putting forth an abundance of precautions for the protection of our vulnerable patient population and to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel” said Island Hospital Chief Executive Officer Charles Hall. “At this point, we have no confirmed cases of coronavirus at Island Hospital.”

On Friday, March 13th at 6 a.m., we will begin reducing hospital access points and begin screening all staff, providers, visitors and patients at limited hospital entrances (see map below).

The hospital will have only five public entrances available with reduced hours. Also, signage will be provided on campus to direct visitors and patients. Upon entering the building, individuals who do not have symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) will be given stickers indicating a negative screen.  Once individuals have been screened and report no symptoms, a sticker for the day will be placed on the clothing, generally near the chest or shoulders where it is easily visible.

Once screened at entry, only two immediate family members on the inpatient units and one visitor per emergency department visit will be permitted. Hours have been limited to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with no visitors under age 12 allowed. Patients with isolation precautions may have additional visitation restrictions.

Patients who have a hospital, clinic, procedure, lab, imaging or surgery appointment on the hospital campus should plan to keep it, unless they have a fever, new cough or respiratory problem. If they have any of these symptoms, they should call their healthcare provider prior to going to their office.

“In this unprecedented time, our healthcare system plays a critical role in meeting the needs of and protecting our community.  We work to follow the expert guidance and adopt the latest practices.  Thank you for your understanding and support” said Island Hospital Chief Executive Officer Charles Hall.

Please continue to access the following websites for up-to-date information about the response to COVID-19.

• Island Hospital – islandhospital.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about
• Washington State Department of Health – doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
• Skagit County Public Health – skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirus
• World Health Organization: who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-1029