Brookings Health Suspends Events at Facilities

  • March 19, 2020

Health System Asks Public to Follow COVID-19 Triage

Brookings Health System has suspended all in-person events, classes and support groups at their facilities following the social distance guidelines issued by government authorities.
Brookings Health System has suspended all in-person events, classes and support groups at their facilities following the social distance guidelines issued by government authorities.

Following COVID-19 social distancing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) and the White House, Brookings Health System has suspended all in-person events, classes and support groups at their facilities.

“Reducing the number of people from the general public inside our doors enables us to better maintain the microbial integrity of our facility,” said Infection Preventionist Bunny Christie. “While the COVID-19 threat exists, Brookings Health must protect our patients who need care as well as our team members who need to stay healthy in order to care for our patients.”

The health system is exploring ways to host certain classes and events virtually.

The public can find the latest information on COVID-19 at brookingshealth.org/COVID. The page also includes links to the CDC and DOH websites.

“Remember,” said Christie, “this is an evolving situation. Get information about COVID-19 from a credible source and do not spread misinformation.”

Facts About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has now been detected in several locations internationally, including the U.S.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. Complications may include pneumonia in both lungs. People at greatest mortality risk from COVID-19 include the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, COPD, underlying heart and lung diseases, or other immune compromising conditions. Children are more likely than adults to present with mild symptoms. The best prevention is to avoid exposure to the virus.

Triage Guidance for the Public

To help local healthcare teams care for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, Brookings Health requests the public to follow triage guidelines:

QUESTIONS If you have questions about COVID-19 and no symptoms (fever, coughing, shortness of breath), please call the South Dakota Department of Health hotline, 1-800-997-2880.

MILD SYMPTOMS

If you have mild symptoms and are stable, call your primary care provider FIRST to determine if you’re eligible for either influenza or COVID-19 testing. For the Avera Clinic, please call 1-877-AT-AVERA or (605) 697-9500. For the Sanford Clinic, please call (605) 333-4444.

Seek care immediately if you have symptoms (fever, coughing, shortness of breath) and fall in to one of these categories:

  • 65+ years old
  • Under 5 years old
  • Pregnant
  • Have a chronic medical condition like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease or other immune compromising condition

If you do not fall into the above categories, seek medical attention if your illness is worsening, including:

  • A fever of 100.4°F or greater
  • Difficulty breathing

STAY AT HOME except to receive medical care.
SEVERE SYMPTOMS

If you have severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at Brookings Hospital’s Emergency Department. Call Brookings Hospital at (605) 696-9000 FIRST before arriving.

Severe symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

How the Public Can Prevent Infection

The public should remain calm and use scientifically proven infection control methods.

  • Practice good respiratory etiquette and hygiene. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze in your upper sleeve
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Practice social distancing when out in the community by trying to stay three to six feet away from other people. Do not hug, kiss, shake hands or make other unnecessary contact.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surface areas, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, etc. every day. COVID-19 is easily cleaned by household cleaners or soap and water.
  • Stay at home if you’re sick and self-isolate to prevent the spread of illness.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic & Optical, and medical clinics in Arlington, White and Volga, South Dakota. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency and extended care services. Brookings Hospital provides local access to doctors in Brookings and offers robotic da Vinci surgery and Mako robotic-arm assisted procedures, making it one of the premier rural community hospitals in South Dakota. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.