Dear Community Member,
With our Nation and State focused on the threat of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, I want to share with you some of the many measures and preparations we have taken at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) to address the health and safety of our community and our staff. I also want to take this opportunity to remind you of simple actions you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community.
What is BMH doing to prepare for COVID-19?
- Adopted the most up-to-date recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the most relevant local recommendations from the Vermont Department of Health (VDH).
- Educated staff members about screening for, testing, and treating COVID-19, and provide regular updates as information becomes available from the CDC, WHO, and VDH.
- Increased our cleaning and disinfection protocols in all public and clinical spaces.
- Posted signage for patients and visitors to alert them to the warning signs of COVID-19.
- Deployed hand hygiene stations throughout the hospital, and have masks available for people who are sick. (At this time, it is not recommended that healthy people wear masks, but sick people are encouraged to do so.)
- Updated our visitor policies and limiting the number of access points into the Hospital.
- Added enhanced patient screening capabilities in our Emergency Department (ED) and constructed an additional screening area as you enter the ED.
- Ensured that we have adequate supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment and availability of patient Isolation Rooms/Areas.
- Canceled non-essential meetings at BMH including those sponsored by external organizations and agencies
What can you do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from COVID-19?
- Avoid contact with anyone who has tested positive or who has come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Avoid travel when possible, especially travel to places that have known outbreaks of COVID-19. The CDC website provides up-to-date information on the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country and the rest of the world.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, use an antibacterial hand sanitizer.
- Refrain from touching your face.
- If you need to cough or sneeze, use a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
- Instead of shaking hands, hugging, or other greetings that require physical contact, consider an elbow bump, a wave, or another no-contact way of saying hello to the people around you.
- At this time, officials are not recommending large events be canceled, but that may be subject to change as the situation evolves. It is reasonable for older adults and people with underlying health conditions to consider not attending a mass gathering event.
- If you develop a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider or local Emergency Department about next steps – do not go directly to your nearest healthcare provider or clinic without calling ahead.
Avoid unreliable information and refer regularly to reputable sources:
