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March 16, 2020

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED AT THEDACARE LOCATIONS

Due to the rising levels nationwide of coronavirus COVID-19, beginning Monday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until further notice, ThedaCare is implementing heightened visitor restrictions to continue caring for our communities, while minimizing the potential for exposure.

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED AT THEDACARE LOCATIONS

Working with Local Health Officials to Provide Coordinated Care

March 16, 2020

NEENAH, Wis. – At ThedaCare, the first priority is the health and wellness of patients, team members and visitors. Every decision made is centered on the people of our community. 

Due to the rising levels nationwide of coronavirus COVID-19, beginning Monday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until further notice, ThedaCare is implementing heightened visitor restrictions to continue caring for our communities, while minimizing the potential for exposure. 

At all ThedaCare facilities, all visitors, contractors and vendors will be screened at entrances. Visitors with any of the following symptoms will not be able to visit and will be prohibited from entry.

  • Experienced fever (100.4), cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness) or shortness of breath within the past 48 hours.
  • Exposed to anyone exhibiting any of these symptoms within the past 48 hours.
  • Had contact with someone known to have coronavirus or actively being tested for coronavirus within the last 14 days.

Other details about specific locations:

At ThedaCare Hospitals, Clinics and Surgery Centers
  • No visitors will be allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, except under extreme circumstances or in a guardian situation.
  • Anyone under the age of 16 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances.
  • One essential visitor or support person may remain with the patient for the duration of the visit. After a visit is complete, visitors must leave the building and cannot remain in waiting areas, public areas or cafeterias.
  • Some exceptions may made for end-of-life situations or other extreme circumstances.
  • Visitors who are coughing or showing signs of illness will be asked to leave the facility.
  • Additional restrictions may be imposed based on the clinical status of the patient or provider judgment.
At The Heritage, Peabody Manor and Juliette Manor
  • No visitors will be allowed, with the exception of those visiting residents who are experiencing a significant change of condition or at the end of life. 
  • Residents of The Heritage may not visit residents in other areas of the campus.  
In ThedaCare Emergency Departments
  •  Visitors are prohibited in adult ED patient areas. Visitation will be based on the clinical team’s judgment.   
  • Only one visitor allowed per pediatric patient; parent, guardian or caregiver only. Visitors should speak with the patient’s clinical team if the patient requires additional assistance.

ThedaCare understands exceptions may need to be made on a case-by-case basis. While this change may cause some disruption, know it was made with the utmost concern to protect our patients, staff and community.

Visitors who are ill should not visit patients. Family members are encouraged to use other ways to connect with their loved ones through phone or video calls. 

If you or a loved one has symptoms that are more than mild and there is an exposure history, please call your primary care clinic to receive treatment advice before deciding to visit a clinic or hospital. This will ensure teams can review your condition on the phone first, then, if necessary, greet and isolate you upon arrival to minimize possible exposure to other patients and team members. The majority of people with mild symptoms may not need to come to the clinic or hospital at all, although if you have a health condition that puts you at an increased risk, it is important to talk to a caregiver to make sure you are getting the right care recommendations. In many cases, the most appropriate course is to treat your mild symptoms at home as this will reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread to others in our community. 

The best way to minimize the spread of illnesses like coronavirus is to practice every day preventative behaviors including: 

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Practice social distancing by avoiding public events or spaces where close contact with others is expected.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

The community is encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 by visiting the CDC site (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) or Wisconsin Department of Health Services (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm), both which include situation updates, travel guidance, common questions and more. Visit thedacare.org/coronavirus for the latest information related to coronavirus, including symptoms, preventative actions, cancelled ThedaCare events and more. 

About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to improving the health of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to a community of more than 600,000 residents in 18 counties and employs more than 7,000 healthcare professionals. ThedaCare has 180 locations including seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, New London, Shawano, Waupaca and Wild Rose. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service.

For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
Media should call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
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