Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

For Patients and Visitors:

At Swain Community Hospital, our top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community. We continue to closely monitor the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and follow state and federal guidance as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients. Please be advised that effective August 3, 2021 Swain Community Hospital and associated entities will be enforcing the following visitor policy.

All approved visitors will be screened upon entry at registration, required to wear a mask, and visitor sticker indicating they have been screened. Visitors who answer YES to any of the screening questions or have a temperature greater than 100° F will be denied entry and be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free. Please utilize alternative methods of communication, including technology, with patients as much as possible. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mask, but one will be provided if necessary.

No visitors/companions under any circumstance will be permitted to stay if they have existing signs/symptoms of respiratory illness, including: fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

The following information outlines updated policies per departments:

Inpatient – limited to only one visitor per day, 18 years of age or older.
a. Exceptions include
i. Visitors may be allowed to visit loved ones who are gravely ill, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.
ii. Visitors may be allowed when their presence is essential to the patient’s emotional well-being, but will be asked to wear a mask while in the building. Visitors with signs/symptoms of respiratory illness will not be permitted to visit under this exception.
Emergency Department – No visitors to the emergency department. Visitors/companions that arrive with patients will be asked to leave and return if needed for patient pick-up.
a. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Outpatient Surgery – allowed one family member as a companion, patients under 18 will be allowed to have two parents/guardians present,
- Any patient that will be an inpatient post-op will be allowed to have one companion in ASU.
- Once a companion has entered ASU they cannot leave for any reason (if they leave, they will not be allowed to return).
- ASU companions must follow the same safe at home guidelines as surgery patients for 7 days prior to surgery.
Lab/Radiology/Ortho/Cardiology/PT - may have one companion
Labor/Delivery & Mother/Baby – allowed two support persons.
NICU - No sibling visitation allowed.

Visiting hours will be limited to 9am-4:30pm. If deemed appropriate, some visitors may be allowed to stay overnight for patients needing extensive assistance or support. All persons regardless of vaccination status must wear a mask at all times.

Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19.For more information on the virus, please contact the health department.

COVID-19 Online Risk Assessment

To help support the health of our community, we are providing access to an online COVID-19 risk assessment developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This tool does NOT provide a diagnosis, and it should NOT be used as a substitute for an assessment made by a healthcare provider.

Begin CDC Online Assessment

COVID-19 Resources:

Hygeine Reminders from the CDC

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.

Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use. Learn more here.

How to use hand sanitizer

Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
Rub your hands together.
Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

For more information, visit the CDC website.