BMH responds to COVID-19

Boone Memorial Hospital is responding to a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

Boone Memorial Hospital is watching the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus closely. Hospital staff and administration are taking proactive and preventive measures to protect its patients and employees. Although currently there are no known cases in Boone County or West Virginia, the hospital's approach is that of aggressive preparedness, not panic.

Boone Memorial has developed a COVID-19 task force. With guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the task force initiative will ensure all staff members are trained, equipped and ready to implement best practices needed to detect the disease, prevent the spread of the disease, compassionately care for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients and prepare for a larger number of patients in the context of an escalating outbreak.

People are encouraged to take common sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

Boone Memorial will continue to offer COVID-19 resources and tips, including educational videos from hospital providers, via their website at www.bmh.org/coronavirus