March 12 COVID-19 Update
- Category: News
- Posted On:
- Written By: Laura Florez-McCusker
Kaweah Health is committed to the continued safety and health of all employees, patients, visitors, particularly as our organization monitors the growing spread of the COVID-19 virus domestically and internationally. Here are some of the latest developments in our plan to ensure the health and safety of our staff, patients, and visitors remain our top priority:
Visitor Restrictions
District-Wide: Effective Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m., we will be limiting patients to one visitor in all areas of the district. Exceptions will be limited for end-of-life patients. For a list of our locations, click HERE.
Emergency Department: One visitor allowed per patient; must not be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 as recommended by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Exceptions will be limited for end-of-life patients.
Transitional Care and Subacute Units: No visitors with limited exceptions for end-of-life patients. These units are located at 1633 S. Court Street in Visalia.
Kaweah Health Rehabilitation Hospital (inpatients): The inpatient units at the rehabilitation hospital are limiting visitation to approved visitors only. This includes those who are scheduled for family training, providing translation assistance, or picking up a patient at discharge. Kaweah Health's Rehabilitation Hospital is located at 840 S. Akers St., Visalia.
Visiting Hours: Regular visiting hours remain in effect 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; no visitors after 9 p.m. unless patient is end-of-life or in labor.
Medical Center Entrance Change
Effective at 4 p.m., on March 13, the Mineral King entrance (400 W. Mineral King Avenue.) will be open only to Emergency Department and Obstetric patients; all other patients will need to enter through Acequia Wing entrance, 305 W. Acequia Avenue. Valet parking will remain at 400 W. Mineral King Avenue., but patients/visitors who choose to use this service will need to walk to enter the Medical Center through the Acequia Wing. The Surgery Center entrance will be limited to Surgery Center and Endoscopy patients. Security/staff will monitor these entrances.
Events Cancelled
All scheduled events that bring groups of individuals from outside the organization to Kaweah Health locations are postponed until further notice.
Volunteers
Beginning on Monday, March 16, for their health and safety, Kaweah Health Hospital Guild members will temporarily cease volunteer services. Additionally, we have removed high school student volunteers from our campus.
COVID-19 Information
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, please call your primary physician and 2-1-1. Your physician will connect with Tulare County Public Health to determine testing. Tulare County Public Health Officer: 559-685-5720 or 559-471-7092 after hours and weekends.