Cutline: Pictured is the pop up tent that has been set up at the old front entrance at HCMC in preparation for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Plans are in place to offer a Respiratory Clinic at this location in the future.

PARIS, TN – This morning, Henry County Medical Center released an updated visitation policy for the organization effective today in our continued efforts to prepare for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Additionally, HCMC has made the decision to also limit visiting hours for the organization effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Visitation for those allowed into HCMC will now only be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The entrance from the bridge and the front entrance at the round circle drive will now be locked to visitors beginning at 6 p.m. each day. The Emergency Department entrance will still be open for patients seeking care.

Again, the Emergency Room Visitation Policy is still in effect:

No visitation to be allowed in the ER rooms unless:
- There is a need for a caregiver
- The patient is under age and needs a parent
- Or, there are special circumstances approved by the medical provider (physician or midlevel) treating the patient.

Additionally, HCMC has set up a Pop Up Tent in the old front entrance located by the Emergency Department in preparation for changes in the delivery of care related to COVID-19. HCMC plans to operate a Respiratory Clinic from this location, offering access to a provider for those who do not have one or for those who have been instructed by their provider to come to the clinic. Plans are still in place to offer the drive up testing in our ER parking lot, though based through this Respiratory Clinic. Tests to be offered include collection for COVID-19 for those who meet criteria, flu, strep, and RSV testing. The goal is to open this clinic later this week.

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.

Again, if you believe you meet the criteria for the coronavirus including having the symptoms, traveling outside the United States or in the domestic hot spots associated with COVID – 19, or being in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please call your primary care provider to arrange for medical evaluation and testing. If you present to our Emergency Department without a provider order for testing, you will be registered as an ER patient and be treated and charged as an ER patient, as well as masked and isolated. If you have an order for testing from your provider, you will be instructed to park in the ER parking lot and a clinical staff member will come out and do the testing through our outpatient lab services.

HCMC is making every effort to educate and inform the public on ways to remain healthy through our website and our social media outlets, including specifically rigorous and frequent hand washing. Please check back often for updates including a section dedicated to COVID-19. For additional information, watch a video from our Community Pop Up event on coronavirus here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-iA5IPc4G8&t=3s

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 8 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.