HSHS St. Francis Hospital issued the following announcement on March 15.

Due to concerns about COVID-19, influenza and other illnesses, HSHS St. Francis Hospital has decided to postpone or cancel non-essential events/classes (except prenatal classes) at the hospital through the end of April. Events or meetings directly related to patient care will not be cancelled. All essential hospital functions will continue as usual.

This decision was made to best ensure the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, patients and visitors. Public health officials recommend using social distancing early to help slow the spread of disease. Social distancing refers to maintaining enough distance between yourself and another person to reduce the risk of breathing in droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

For a complete list, go to stfrancis-litchfield.org.

March

Medication Circle - weekly

Healthy Steps classes (afternoon and evening)

Don't Diet, Eat Mindfully class

Al-Anon - weekly

March 18: Farm Family Event

March 19: ER Public Open House

March 27: Area Superintendents Group Meeting

March 30: Nutman Company Sale

March 31: Montgomery CEO Group Meeting

April

Medication Circle - weekly

Healthy Steps classes (afternoon and evening)

Don't Diet, Eat Mindfully class

Al-Anon - weekly

April 1: Ministerial Alliance Lunch

April 9: Toastmasters

April 21: Volunteer Prayer Service and Reception

At this time, St. Francis Hospital has not had any confirmed cases of COVID-19, but we are taking the necessary precautions based on recommendations by public health officials to prevent the spread of any contagious diseases. The hospital is closely monitoring the situation locally. Patient, visitor and colleague safety remains our number one priority.

If residents are experiencing any symptoms that they suspect are related to COVID-19, they should call the local health department or primary care physician for advice on the next steps they should take.

Hospital visitor guidelines:

Do not visit hospital patients if you:

Have a cold or any flu-like symptoms. This includes fever or chills, sore throat, body or muscle aches, headache, cough or runny nose.

Are under age 18 years of age.

Are a pregnant woman.

A limit of only two people should visit a patient at any one time.

Original source can be found here.