The far reaching effects of the nationwide frenzy over the coronavirus has reached Brownfield this week. While no cases have been reported locally, area healthcare facilities are taking it all very seriously, nonetheless.
Brownfield Rehab and Care Center, owned by Fundamental, has announced that as of noon on Wednesday, March 11th, no more visitors or family members would be allowed in the facility until further notice. Administrator Raleigh Lee did state that in case of emergencies, after screening, family would be allowed to see their loved ones. They just need to call prior to coming. “We are following the protocol our company is recommending at this time. We will notify family when this is lifted. We are just trying to do our best to care for our patients during this crisis.” Vendors will be carefully screened and employees will follow standard healthcare protocol upon entering and leaving with regular sanitizing hand washing.
Cottage Village Assisted Living Administrator Patty Ward stated, “We are just practicing universal precautions at this time. Just practicing normal good hygiene and good common sense. We do have a sign posted urging people to not come in if they are sick or have been exposed to anything.” Ward stated they would continue keeping an eye on the situation.
Brownfield Regional Medical Center is also monitoring the situation closely, according to Administrator Jerry Jasper and Clinic Manager Micheal Tackitt. “We are getting regular updates from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and staying in close contact with our County Health Department,” stated Tackitt.
The hospital has containment kits at every point of entry for any one who presents with suspicious symptoms. “This is something we do every flu season. This is not just connected to the Coronavirus. We have masks and gloves for everyone that presents with any type of cough,” stated Jasper.
“We are updated regularly and standards can change often, depending on the situation. At this time we operating as usual, with no limit on visitors. We do ask that everyone use good common sense and avoid the spread of any communicable disease,” stated Tackitt.
BRMC has held two meetings with the City and County to stay on top of things and to be sure everyone is in the know about the situation. “We have also held regular meetings with the Health Department to be sure we are all on the same page and receiving the same information,” stated Jasper.
“As always, we try to stay prepared for any ‘worst case scenario’ that might come up. This situation in no different. We will be ready for whatever comes our way,” Tackitt said.
“We would urge citizens to not panic. There is no reason to be stockpiling anything. This is just a normal disease situation, at this time. If you do have a cough, wearing a mask can prevent you from spreading your germs, but that mask will not protect you from taking in germs from someone else. Just use common sense and normal health safety practices and everyone should be just fine,” stated Jasper.
