Hendrick Health announces changes to COVID-19 Community Safety Level Dial

Effective today, the COVID-19 Community Safety Level Dial will be posted each weekday on Hendrick Health’s Facebook page. In addition, the dial will include the daily percentage of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Hendrick Health facilities who have not been fully vaccinated, with a breakdown of the daily number of COVID-19 patients in ICU who are not fully vaccinated.

As the economy has opened back up, travel restrictions have been lifted and in-person events have resumed, the number of COVID-19 cases has risen. Hendrick Health’s numbers today indicate more than 91% of hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated. While breakthrough illness can occur, individuals who are fully vaccinated are at a significantly lower risk of becoming seriously ill or hospitalized.

COVID-19 Community Safety Level 4: Severe

The COVID-19 Community Safety Level Dial was created by Hendrick Health to keep the public updated on its hospitalizations and to make recommendations on how to reduce community spread and hospitalizations.

Vaccinations have proven to be the most effective way to protect individuals from COVID-19 and from the risk of serious illness or hospitalization. Today, 100 percent of the COVID-19 positive patients who are in Hendrick Health ICUs have not been fully vaccinated.

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is important for you to get tested as soon as possible. You should avoid others when possible and wear a mask at all times until you receive the test results. According to DSHS, one person with the delta variant will infect an average of 5-9 individuals.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, text “covidhelp” to 325-216-4824 to take a virtual screening and schedule an appointment for testing. You can also schedule a vaccine by texting “covidhelp” to 325-216-4824.

EMERGENCY ROOMS AND MEDICAL PROVIDERS’ OFFICES WILL REMAIN OPEN! It’s important for individuals to seek medical care, when necessary. Please keep all scheduled healthcare appointments. In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.