As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, South Shore Health’s physicians, nurses, clinicians, and support staff are working, As One, to test and treat those affected; to ease the spread with informative outreach; and to maintain operations and crucial services for patients managing other illnesses and conditions. In this time of distancing, we must remain banded together for the greater good.
During this time of social disruption, uncertainty, and concern, Dr. Todd Ellerin, Director of Infectious Disease at South Shore Health, stresses that self-care is vitally important. He encourages all of us to make our mental, emotional, and physical health a priority. We cannot be at our best to care for others, if we ourselves do not take good care of our bodies and minds.
Dr. Ellerin emphasized that all businesses and community members should follow the guidelines for avoiding the spread of any virus, such as hand washing, sneezing or coughing into an elbow, and staying home from work if not feeling well. While a deep clean may be prudent in some circumstances, he suggested that more regular wipe downs of high traffic areas, such as doorknobs, light switches, etc., might be more effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, here is what South Shore Health is currently doing to keep our hospital and patients safe:
- South Shore Health continues to work with state, federal, and local partners on the outbreak of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
- Dr. Ellerin reviewed how the health system activated our Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) so that our operations, planning, logistics, and communications needs are prioritized and addressed.
- An alternate care space is being set up outside the Emergency Department. The tents are not operational at this time, but they may be used for screening, evaluation, and treatment of ambulatory patients if necessary.
- Effective Wednesday, March 18, the health system has decided to cancel all elective surgical procedures at South Shore Hospital indefinitely.
- South Shore Health has implemented a strict visitor policy, now restricting ALL visitors unless pre-approved by each patient’s care team under extenuating circumstances and certain exceptions. Please visit the website if you have specific questions.
- All visitors must enter/exit the hospital through the McKim Family Main Entrance between the hours of 5 AM – 8 PM. After hours, visitors will need to enter through the Emergency Room entrance.
Lastly, we are encouraging anyone in the community who is symptomatic of COVID-19 to consult your primary care physician as a first step.
The COVID-19 team at South Shore Health continues to work diligently to keep us safe and well-informed. We are immensely grateful for their dedication to this critical work. Their extraordinary efforts to preserve the health and well-being of our South Shore community does not go unnoticed. If you have questions, please e-mail Myriah Kulin ([email protected]) and we will get back to you.