Putnam County Health Department and Putnam County Hospital Update on COVID-19

Putnam County Health Department and Putnam County Hospital continue to work together to keep the community informed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Putnam County Health Department would like the community to know that at the time of this release there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Putnam County.

The following visitor restrictions will be put in place at Putnam County Hospital as of Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Inpatients, those individuals in inpatient, observation, or swing bed, will be allowed 1-2 visitors. These visitors must be put on a list that will be kept at the entry way. When a visitor enters the building they will be greeted by a screener and you are to give your name. If your name is not on the visitor list you will not be permitted to visit the patient at that time. There will be no visitors under the age of 18 permitted at this time. Individuals here for an outpatient appointments should plan to keep accompanying visitors to a bare minimum.

Putnam County Hospital new restrictions in place for the emergency room. As of March 19, 2020 there will be no visitors allowed in the Emergency Department. They are also discouraging Emergency Department visitors in the lobby. If a visitor must remain in the lobby they will be asked to observe social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet from other persons. Exceptions to the policy will include allowing ONE visitor for patients who are disoriented or require assistance for communication or safety. Children under the age of 18 may have ONE parent at the bedside. All traffic of visitors and control of the lobby will be managed by the nursing staff and the Emergency Department physicians. Family members and visitors of Emergency Department patients will be kept informed of their loved ones via cell phone according to patient wishes. We understand that it is difficult for families to be separated during times of illness. All visitors will be treated with respect and empathy.

Putnam County Hospitals updated visitor policy has been put in place to protect our community, employees and providers. Putnam County Hospital continues to follow CDC and ISDH recommendations. We appreciate your understanding of these many changes.