Mid-Columbia Medical Center was notified this afternoon that a patient
in our care has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Per the media release from the Wasco, Sherman & Gilliam Unified Command
earlier this evening, this case is not related to the individual currently
residing at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles who tested positive
for COVID -19 on March 25, 2020.
We will not be providing additional information about this patient due
to patient confidentiality.
MCMC has been preparing for COVID-19 for many weeks. Our hospital’s
incident command team has been meeting daily to discuss supplies, logistics,
emergency management processes and protocols, and other necessary measures
to ensure the health and safety of our patients, staff and community.
Our nurses and physicians have been kept up to date on screening and identification
as well as safety protocols.
We will continue to collaborate with state and local public health authorities
and health systems across the region to coordinate a collaborative response
to COVID-19 with the goal of containing the spread of the virus.
We urge you to continue washing your hands often; avoid touching your eyes,
nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and practice social distancing as
the virus can be spread between people who are in close contact within
one another (within about 6 feet).
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, please
STAY HOME and contact your physician for further guidance.
If you are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention at your
nearest Emergency Department.
Our number one priority remains the safety of our patients and our community.
For the latest COVID-19 updates from MCMC, please visit our website at
www.mcmc.net and/or follow us on Facebook at
facebook.com/mcmchealth.