Tonight, on March 6, the Clark County Public Health Department confirmed a case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a patient who is being treated in isolation at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
This is the first confirmed case at a PeaceHealth facility. All our caregivers and providers involved in this case followed recommended protocols to keep our patients, families and fellow caregivers safe.
PeaceHealth is prepared to meet the needs of our communities. We have already implemented a number of processes in all our hospitals and clinics to ensure the safety of our patients and caregivers, including screening protocols to identify patients who may be at risk for COVID-19 infection, and health department-recommended isolation processes and testing procedures.
PeaceHealth is working closely with Clark County Public Health. Anyone with questions about COVID-19 should call their primary care provider or Clark County Public Health at 800-525-0127.
Additional information can also be found at peacehealth.org/coronavirus.
Visitor restrictions
We ask that visitors who are feeling ill or visitors under the age of 16 not visit our hospital at this time.
What you should know about COVID-19:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms often include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
- Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread.
Additional information can also be found at peacehealth.org/coronavirus.
