Georgia’s economy is opening, what does that mean for me?
The only way to SAFELY open up our economy is to be measured and diligent using the safety precautions that have been in place. Please don’t leave your home without using these precautions each and every time.
- Hand Washing (thorough, 20 seconds or more).
- Wear a Mask When in Public (especially when indoors).
- Social Distancing (maintain a distance of at least 6 feet away from anyone not living with you).
- Avoid Crowds.
- Sanitize items that may have been near an infected person before touching them or bringing into your home.
- If you’re sick, please stay home.
Be aware of the symptoms and if you have any suspicion that you are sick, please stay home and reach out to your physician by telephone for advice..
Symptoms:
- Fever over 100 degrees
- Dry Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Body Aches
- Loss of Sense of Smell
It’s important to understand that this virus presents itself differently in individuals, therefore not all symptoms may occur. If you suspect that you have been in direct contact with a COVID-19 positive individual or if you have symptoms you believe to be COVID-19, a direct patient line has been set up for the Southeast Georgia Health District. That number is 1-855-473-4374.
As the reopening of our local economy occurs, we must ALL do our part to ensure the safety of ourselves and our neighbors and continue to use caution when not at home.
Our visitor restrictions within the hospital will remain in place until further notice. Our imaging, outpatient, and lab services are open. It is important to note that because we are using masks, and social distancing practices, patients are safe to come into our building for these outpatient services and all precautions are being taken to protect our patients and our staff.
All CRH physician offices (including Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia, Walk-In Clinic, Industrial Medicine, and the Wound Care Clinic) are open and seeing patients at this time. We ask that patients call ahead to confirm appointment times and receive any instructions ahead of their scheduled visit. Telemedicine is available in all offices, for those who wish to speak with a physician from the safety of their home. Of course, many care visits require a physical examination from a provider and we are prepared for that. We have practices in place to protect our patients and our caregivers, providing safe effective care close to home is part of our mission.
Our Wellness Center will reopen Monday, May 4th with limited operations to ensure social distancing and member safety. Please keep an eye on The Wellness Center Facebook page or call the Wellness Center at (912) 383-6988 with any questions or concerns.
We agree these precautions are not easy but they are worth it. Distancing has impacted the way we treat our patients and the way we conduct our operations internally. In our rural setting, our providers and patients have relationships that span decades and generations. Providers and patients alike enjoy seeing one another and catching up during appointments. From a treatment standpoint, shifting from a very personal, hands-on appointment to one done on a screen has required community understanding and patience. From an operational standpoint, a number of our non-clinical staff are continuing to work from home, our meeting rooms have been reconfigured to ensure safe distances, and all meetings are scheduled with remote teleconference capability. We have done these things to ensure our healthcare operations are maintained and that we are here for our community.
On the days when we get frustrated with wearing a mask and distancing let’s all please step back and think of our families. If the devastating statistics about the misery of COVID-19 including the number of deaths are not enough to maintain our commitment to social distancing and other precautions please try to imagine the sense of regret we will feel should one of our most loved family members succumb to this virus. As difficult as social distancing is, it will not last a lifetime, and our journey out of this pandemic will be much less painful if we maintain safe practices. We will get back to business in a new usual and we continue to grow and thrive as a community. Thank you for helping us open the economy in a measured and safe way.
Together, we will get through this. Your friends and neighbors at Coffee Regional.