PARIS, TN – On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clarified its masking policy to state that staff, patients, residents, and visitors should continue to wear masks as recommended in all healthcare facilities. At Henry County Medical Center and its facilities, we are still REQUIRING MASKS in order to safeguard against virus transmission and to follow current CDC recommended guidelines for the healthcare industry.

“We believe we can best serve our community at this time by still masking,” said Lisa Casteel, CEO. “Masking helps to protect you, our patients, our visitors, and our staff. While our positivity rate appears to have dropped, we are currently averaging 4-6 inpatients with positive COVID-19. Please help us keep everyone safe in our environment. We ask that you mask up when at our facilities.”

If you are unable to wear a mask due to a medical issue, you will be asked to wear a face shield and it will be available to you. We do ask that you bring your own mask or face shield to appointments, to visit, or to seek care in our facilities.

Though we do continue with masking, we have opened our facility for activities such as classes, support groups, and screenings with limited capacity. To learn more about upcoming events, go to www.hcmc-tn.org and select classes and screenings. Also, our HCMC Volunteer Auxiliary has returned to volunteering, which means the Pink Petal Gift Shop is now open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 731-644-8266 to learn more.

As schedules and policies continue to change, HCMC will keep information on our website, www.hcmc-tn.org and on our social media platforms. Additionally, HCMC continues to provide information on testing, hospitalizations, and deaths within our organization weekly. HCMC Administration continues to follow the CDC guidelines as well as the TN Department of Health guidelines to ensure the safety of our patients, families, partners, and community.

How you can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as Coronavirus:

Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard in a trash.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC recently updated its recommendations for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be allowed to not wear masks, but again, they clarified that this DOES NOT apply in the healthcare setting. CDC said health care facilities should continue to refer to CDC’s infection prevention and control guidance for recommendations regarding source control and physical distancing in healthcare settings.

“We will keep you informed if any changes are made to the guidance for healthcare settings,” the agency said.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider. To learn more, go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org or go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 7 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org