Brodstone Memorial Hospital continues to stay updated on the daily changes, recommendations and protocols from federal, state and local entities in preparation for a potential COVID-19 outbreak. As of Tuesday, there are no lab confirmed cases in Nuckolls County. There are 871 cases in the state of Nebraska, 61 in Adams County, two in Clay County and one in Webster County. Brodstone encourages the communities they serve to continue to social distance,utilize masks when in public, practice proper hand hygiene and ‚Stay Home, Stay Healthy and Stay Connected‚ an initiative launched by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts.

This past week, the CDC added recommendations for universal mask wearing in public settings. This recommendation includes places such as grocery stores, pharmacies and retail spaces. Wearing cloth face coverings will help to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus, and do not know it, from transmitting it to others.

Brodstone also launched a new COVID-19 Screening Tool available this past week. This tool is located on theirwebsite http://www.brodstonehospital. org/COVID-19 and will help you assess your symptoms and determine your next steps in seeking medical care. They encourage you to share this tool with those that may have been exposed or impacted by COVID-19. Most current symptoms still include fever greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat. Consideration of patients with myalgia, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, loss of smell warrant more investigation by medical staff. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms please call to notify Brodstone prior to arriving.

The facility continues to schedule patients and encourages you to give them a call to set up a plan for all of your healthcare needs. The availability of telehealth has rapidly come to life nationwide during the past month and local providers have started utilizing such means to have visits with patients.

If you haven’t signed up for Brodstone’s newPatient Portal, now is a great time to do so. The portal is a way to message your healthcare provider, look at previous lab results or check upcoming appointment dates and times without leaving home. This is also the way that a patient can request an e-visit with a provider. You can sign up for the Portal through Brodstone’s website, email patient [email protected] or by calling 402-207-1522.

In a time where many facilities are cutting hours or furloughing employees, Brodstone promises to stand beside their employees. I am proud of our team and the work they have been putting in. They have adapted well to all of the changes we‚have sent their way and we are going to take care of them. Our employees are our most important resources and we value their hard work and dedication to our mission. Without them we wouldn’t have Superior Care Close to Home, said Treg Vyzourek, Brodstone CEO

To help fight the potential COVID-19 threat and be as prepared as they can be for the future, please consider donating items such as N95 or surgical masks, face shields, gowns, gloves, etc. to Brodstone Memorial Hospital.

Contact Crystal Wyatt at cwyatt@brod stone.org or call 402-879-4432 Ext: 5114.

For information on local COVID-19 efforts and preparedness go to http://www.brodstonehospital.org and click on the COVID-19 Resources banner at the top of the webpage or follow Brodstone Memorial Hospital on Facebook.