MU Health Care is thoughtfully and deliberately continuing services in its hospitals and clinics, while taking additional steps to keep patients and employees safe during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Delaying care may lead to additional health complications in the future, so it’s important patients continue to seek care, especially those with pre-existing or chronic conditions,” said Mark Wakefield, MD, MU Health Care associate chief medical officer. “We understand patients may be hesitant to seek care, but we’ve taken extreme caution to ensure their safety.”

MU Health Care has several safety measures in place to protect patients and employees using the guidance of our infectious disease experts.

All patients, employees and visitors will be required to wear a mask in patient care areas; patients who do not have a mask will be provided one. This measure was taken out of an abundance of caution and to provide peace of mind and will be reevaluated in 21 days.

Patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms by phone in advance of their appointment.

• All patients, employees and visitors will be screened for temperature and COVID-19 symptoms upon entry to any MU Health Care facility.
• Patients will be tested for COVID-19 as an extra precaution prior to any procedure that may require anesthesia or additional care.
• Patients who test positive or show symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated from others.
• As the infectious disease experts, MU Health Care has spaces specifically designed to isolate and treat patients with COVID-19.
• Waiting areas have been rearranged to maintain social distancing standards.
• MU Health Care has an extensive process to disinfect all patient care equipment and furniture.

MU Health Care’s existing visitor policies remain in effect, which means no visitors will be allowed at any hospitals or clinics, with the exception of one partner, spouse or coach in labor and delivery; one parent or guardian for pediatric patients; or in instances where patients are nearing end of life.

“We remain committed to patient and employee safety, and these priorities guide our decision-making,” said Mary Beck, DNP, MU Health Care chief nursing officer. “In MU Health Care’s 25-county service area, the number of active cases is only three cases per 10,000 people. We will continue to monitor infection rates and use that information to evaluate our protocols moving forward.”

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit muhealth.org/coronavirus.