Riverside Hospital in Kankakee has released a statement to the community on the COVID-19 virus:
“We want to reassure the public we have policies and procedures in place to help us address this current pandemic” Riverside said in a public statement on Saturday. “pandemics (e.g., H1N1, Swine Flu, Ebola), is not new for Riverside, where emergency preparedness training is a year round activity.”
While emergency preparedness training for pandemic related disaster training is not new for Riverside, it’s never dealt with a community virus that has shut down schools, sports leagues, court systems, and businesses throughout the State of Illinois.
“For those who meet proper criteria – have traveled outside North America, been on a cruise ship, have fever, cough, sore throat and possible shortness of breath – testing is available.”
Riverside asks that if you do not fit those criteria, please recommend with precautions to keep yourself healthy. Those include:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. or sneeze into your upper arm.
• Clean your hands. Frequent washing helps protect you and others from germs. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread this way.
“The best thing you can do in response to all that is currently happening is stay calm. By following the above precautions we all do our part to reduce the likelihood of the spread of illness, including COVID-19.”
Riverside has said it continues to monitor the developing situation.
“Know that the healthcare professionals at Riverside are working tirelessly to keep the community safe and healthy.”
More information can be found on riversidehealthcare.org.
