Adventist Health Sonora is prepared for widespread COVID-19

With Tuolumne County experiencing widespread community transmission of COVID-19, Adventist Health Sonora is adjusting protocols and is prepared to safely care for patients while meeting guidelines within California’s most restrictive Tier 1, or purple tier, on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

In order to protect staff and patients, Adventist Health Sonora is taking further steps to reduce potential exposures and enhancing efforts to enable social distancing.

The first step is to limit the number of people entering the hospital, medical offices and other outpatient facilities. Effective Wednesday, November 18, visitors will not be allowed except for one visitor or support person for pediatrics, Birth Center, end-of-life care and patients with disabilities or cognitive impairment. For hospitalized patients, the care team has iPads available so that families may stay connected with their loved ones by visiting virtually.

Healthcare is essential, and all of Adventist Health Sonora’s services remain open, safely providing in-person care for patients with routine, urgent or emergency healthcare needs. Medical offices are equipped to offer virtual visits when appropriate. More information about virtual visits, COVID-19 and information on finding a medical provider or service is available by visiting AdventistHealthSonora.org.

Safety measures at Adventist Health Sonora require daily symptom screening and temperature checks, face masks and frequent hand hygiene for everyone entering its facilities. Hospital leaders urge the community to prevent further spread of COVID-19 by following the same precautions.

“This disease is devastating for patients and families and has the potential of severely affecting the most vulnerable in our community,” says Alex Heard, MD, chief medical officer for Adventist Health Sonora. “Research has proven that consistently wearing a face mask in public and around anyone from outside your household reduces the spread of COVID-19. Please protect those around you and wear your mask.”