JCH&L Expands Precautionary Measures Regarding COVID-19

Jefferson Community Health & Life is expanding its precautionary measures in preparation for possible cases of COVID-19. To date, no cases have been identified in Jefferson County or surrounding counties, but the Nebraska number of cases diagnosed continues to grow. In order to protect our staff, patients, residents, and customers, JCH&L is taking the following measures.

As of Monday, March 16:

JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are CLOSED to all non-essential personnel, including family members. Both were closed to visitors as of Saturday, March 14, because of new restrictions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS.)

Starting Tuesday, March 17:

The JCH&L cafeteria will be closed to the public. It will remain open only to staff.
Hospital visitors will be limited to 2 per patient room. All will be screened for recent travel to areas of high incidence/community spread, signs and symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), and whether they have had any contact with persons who have been diagnosed or are under investigation for having COVID-19.
Hospital visitors may use the main entrance from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the ER/Outpatient Entrance (pick up the phone to reach the nurses station) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center will be open regular hours, but access will be only from the activity court door. JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center members/users will not be allowed to access JCH&L from the fitness center. All fitness center classes are suspended until further notice.
All support groups and outside programs have been postponed until further notice. This includes Parkinson’s Support Group, Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Health Today and Smart Moves lifestyle change program
Sterling Connection trips for March and April have been cancelled.
Patients for all services continue to be screened. Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction. Non-essential services may be rescheduled.
Patients who have symptoms of possible respiratory illness are encouraged to call for screening over the telephone before arriving at any medical facility.

“We are staying abreast of the latest information from the Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and we are working with state and local public health officials,” said Vic Lee, interim CEO at JCH&L. “We ask that our community understand that the situation continues to evolve and change rapidly, and we are making the best decisions we can to protect and care for our area residents, staff and community. Precautionary measures will continue to change as we receive new information on COVID-19.”