Hendrick Health COVID-19 Community Safety Dial: Level 6

As of today, Trauma Service Area D (TSA-D), which includes all three of Hendrick Health’s hospitals, experienced seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients (as a percentage of total hospital capacity) exceeds 15 percent. Additionally, 14 of the 16 counties in TSA-D have been labeled counties with “high” rate of COVID-19 transmission by the CDC. Trauma Service Area-D includes the following counties: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton.

Hendrick Health has stood up its Emergency Operations Center to address capacity constraints caused by increased COVID hospitalizations and cases in our community. Additionally, Hendrick is reaching out to medical personnel within the community, including retired nurses and physicians, to care for patients as temporary employees. For those interested, contact Simone Banks at sibanks@hendrickhealth.org or 325-670-3185; or Kinsey Ragsdale at KRagsdale@hendrickhealth.org or 325-649-3431.

Vaccinations

The most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and prevent hospitalizations and severe illness is for more residents to get vaccinated. If you are eligible and medically able to, get vaccinated. The Pfizer vaccine has FDA approval for individuals 18 and older, and an emergency use authorization for those 12 -17 years of age. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines also have emergency use authorizations for individuals 18 and older.

Masks

Masks that cover the nose and mouth help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask in public, regardless of vaccination status. This also limits your potential exposure, if you come in contact with a person who has COVID-19.

COVID-19 Antibody Treatment
Qualified patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 should seek a referral or submit a self-referral to receive a monoclonal antibody infusion. The infusion is offered to adult and pediatric patients who are currently diagnosed with COVID1-9 and are at high risk for developing severe symptoms or the need for hospitalization. For more information or to fill out the self-referral form, visit hendrickhealth.org/covidtreatment.

COVID Testing and Vaccination at Hendrick Clinic Screening and Vaccination
Hendrick Clinic Screening and Vaccination, located at 1801 Hickory St. in Abilene, will extend its hours beginning Wednesday, Sept. 1 as follows: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. – Noon.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or to schedule a vaccination appointment, text “covidhelp” to 325-216-4824 to schedule an appointment.

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.

HENDRICK HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS – Level 6: Emergency

To reduce hospitalizations and community spread our recommendations include:

• Avoid large gatherings where social distancing and mask wearing are not in practice.
• If you begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested immediately, regardless of vaccination status.
• Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth while in public, regardless of vaccination status.
• Practice good hand hygiene and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.
• Follow CDC guidelines for self-quarantine and testing if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• For community, work or school-related activities— require all attendees to wear masks at all times.
• All businesses—require mask-wearing for all employees while at work and all customers.
• All businesses­—encourage vaccination of all employees.