By Anita Miller

Restrictions on visitors, promotion of “virtual care” and more are among preparations Ascension Seton Medical Center Hays is taking ahead of the likely appearance of the COVID-19 virus in Hays County.

CDC image.

According to Danielle Hall, public relations manager for Ascension Texas, temporary visitor restrictions are in effect in both inpatient and outpatient settings to minimize disease transmission, “specifically the spread of viral respiratory infections including COVID-19.”
“Our goal is to protect our associates and those we are privileged to serve by limiting possible exposure to Novel Coronavirus and directing people to the right level of care,” she said.

Restrictions are similar to infection control measures the facility implements annually during flu season. They include:

• Restricting visitors who have flu-like symptoms and/or cough, fever and/or shortness of breath, runny nose/nasal congestion or sore throat.
• Limiting visitors two two visitors per patient at any given time.
• Allowing visits by children under the age of 14 at the discretion of patients and clinicians.
• Not allowing visitors who have, within the past 14 days, returned from a country that the Centers for Disease Control has designated as Level 2 or Level 3.

Ascension Seton advises anyone who thinks they may have been infected to call their doctor’s office before showing up for treatment, and also to call the Emergency Room prior to arrival “to let the staff know about any symptoms and recent travel.”

People unable to reach their doctor should call the Hays County Health Department at 512-393-5525 or the state public health COVID- 19 hotline at 877-570-9779.

Another option is virtual care. “To help prevent the spread of disease, people with questions about their symptoms may want to try ‘virtual care,’” Hall said. Ascension Online Care operates 24/7. No insurance is required and the app can be downloaded at ascension.org/onlinecare. Use the code HOME for a discounted rate of $20.

“Our top priorities are the health and safety of our patients, associates and visitors,” Hall said. “We have infection control specialists at our sites of care who work closely with CDC and local public health authorities to explore and identify avenues to detect, protect and espoused in accordance with current recommendations and guidelines. Our infection control specialists also work closely with the CDC and local pubic health authorities to stay updated on any additional measures we need to consider implementing as well al learn more about this virus and how to stop it.”