Henry County Medical Center Continues to Dismiss Rumors and Encourage People to Check Facts Related to COVID-19

March 27, 2020

PARIS, TN – At Henry County Medical Center, the safety of our patients, partners, and community is our top priority.  HCMC is here to provide education, prevention, testing, and treatment if needed to our community. We provide truthful, transparent information and report information to necessary sources as required by law.

HCMC has received calls, e-mails, and social media messages about rumors that we have confirmed cases at the hospital.  As of Thursday, March 26 at 2 p.m. according to the Tennessee Department of Health, there are no confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Henry County nor are there confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 in Henry County.  HCMC receives information from the same sources that the public does and will provide information as it becomes available, but we must do that in a manner that maintains the privacy of patients and staff as dictated by law.

We encourage everyone to seek out information from the following, legitimate sources:

Additionally, the community is welcome to contact Shelley Walker, Director of Communication and Media Relations at the TN Department of Health for more information at 615-253-5184.

“We will continue to provide updated information related to COVID-19 on our website and our social media platforms,” said Tory Daughrity, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.  “It is our goal to keep our community healthy and safe.  We please ask that you share factual information on social media and with your family and friends, not rumors or hearsay.  Unless it can be confirmed, let’s work together to make sure our community and region is informed and tooled with the information they need to be safe.  Most importantly, stay home, wash your hands, and social distance where you can.”

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.

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.