For answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus, click here.
__
Effective at noon on Thursday, CHI Memorial will have a stricter visitation policy in effect, according to a hospital news release.
The health system is adopting a highly restrictive visitation policy designed to protect patients, staff, physicians and the community during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
CHI Memorial is also canceling public group meetings. The following changes will remain in effect until further notice:
Visitation:
* No visitors will be allowed in the in-patient setting.
* Outpatient procedures/surgery or outpatient testing: 1 visitor allowed.
* End-of-life: 1 visitor, 1 minister is allowed, if requested by a designated caregiver.
* Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and medical decision-makers will be available by phone.
Greeters will be screening at the designated entrances with a list of basic questions to help ensure that individuals who might spread the virus get the care they need while not exposing patients, staff, and other guests. Until the COVID pandemic has subsided:
* People with fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital.
* People who have traveled to high-risk areas for COVID-19 or had contact with a person know to be infected with COVID-19 are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital.
* No school-age children will be permitted to visit our hospital campuses – CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga, CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson and CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia.
* Caregivers must stay in the patient's room the entire time of the visit except to obtain meals. No congregating in public spaces, lobbies or lounges.
During this time, visitors may want to consider alternative communication options, if available, such as phone, Facetime, Skype, text or email.
We understand this change in policy may be difficult for families, but it is imperative we take additional precautions to keep our patients and community safe during this global pandemic.
Because of an abundance of caution, the CDC's recommendations for social distancing, and the concern for the safety and well-being of our patients and community at large, CHI Memorial is suspending the following:
* All support group meetings held by CHI Memorial Center for Cancer Support until further notice.
* CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care educational seminars and support group meetings until further notice.
* Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) meetings until further notice.
* Breathe Easy mobile lung CT community screenings. The mobile CT will be utilized at 5 different campuses through the end of April performing all CT's except those which are STAT or that require contrast of any kind. We anticipate resuming normal operations in May.
* MaryEllen Locher Breast Center mobile mammography screening programs in the community. We anticipate resuming normal operations in May.
* CHI Memorial Foundation's 20th Cam Busch Art for Health Series. The March event has been rescheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020.
* CHI Memorial Foundation's 8th Annual Elizabeth's Outrun Melanoma 5K and Walk. The April event has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020.
* Tennessee Breast & Cervical Screening committee meetings until further notice.
* Diabetic Food Care Lunch & Learn on March 18.
For more information on how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, visit memorial.org/coronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus.