Bath Community Hospital Plans To Navigate Increase In Covid-19   Hot Springs, VA (Sept. 8, 2021) - Bath Community Hospital, in response to a statewide increase of Covid-19 cases, remains committed to the health needs of our community. The hospital and facilities stay diligent in taking extra precautions to provide a safe environment for our patients and health care team. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is required in all patient areas. All meetings are conducted virtually. A comprehensive plan is reviewed weekly to ensure self-care and safety protocols remain a priority. Please note, Covid-19 test kits are in short supply. The Emergency Department is not a COVID-19 testing site and should be reserved for true emergencies related to COVID-19, including shortness of breath or chest pain. Test kits are reserved for Bath Community Hospital and Bath Community Physician’s Group patients. For a list of Covid-19 testing sites near you, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19- testing-sites/ If you have symptoms concerning COVID or have been exposed to someone with COVID, please call before you enter any of our facilities. This request is meant for the safety of our neighbors and our staff. Covid-19 symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure to the virus. Most usually appear around day 4 or 5. Symptoms include: • Fever or Chills • Cough • Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing • Fatigue • Muscle or body aches • Headache • New loss of taste or smell • Sore throat • Congestion or runny nose • Nausea or vomiting • Diarrhea Look for Emergency Warning Signs such as • Trouble breathing • Persistent pain or pressure in chest • New confusion • Inability to wake or stay awake • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone • Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, BCH has reverted to a temporary visitor’s policy. This policy restricts visitors to one per patient per day. To view this policy in its entirety, please visit https://bathhospital.org/patients-and-visitors/coronavirus-updates/covid-19-visitor-policy/ COVID vaccinations remain the most effective and lasting way to prevent COVID-19 infections in our community. Call Bath Community Pharmacy located at 9405 Sam Snead, Hot Springs to schedule your vaccination 540-839-7350. Do your part to stop the spread by masking, washing hands, limiting your exposure to crowds, distancing, getting vaccinated, and stay home if you are sick. About Bath Community Hospital Bath Community Hospital, established in 1916, is a 25-bed, not-for-profit, Critical Access Hospital located in Hot Springs, Virginia, in Bath County. Bath Community Hospital provides twenty-four-hour emergency services and a select range of diagnostic services, rehabilitative services, pharmacy, general surgery, wellness center, and specialty clinics.

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