COVID-19 Press Release: March 19, 2020

COVID-19 Update: March 19, 2020
This is a daily joint communication from the Sangamon County Department of Public Health (SCDPH) along with Memorial Health System, HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield Clinic and SIU Medicine updating you on the status of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sangamon County. This communication will come at approximately 6 p.m. each day as necessary.
At the time of this press release, the total number of confirmed cases between our five organizations is five, including one death.
Currently, all of the active cases are no longer hospitalized.
Memorial Health System has six inpatients currently under investigation.
St. John’s has six inpatients currently under investigation.
Three of the total confirmed cases are Sangamon County residents and Sangamon County has 16 outstanding tests.
*The discrepancy between total number and SCDPH number is created because the hospitals are caring for patients from outside counties and at multiple locations, and because some of the tests are being done by independent labs, rather than by IDPH/SCPHD.
Reminders:

• Patient Screening outside of Emergency Departments: Both Memorial Health System and HSHS St. John’s have established respiratory screening centers. It is important for the public to understand how to properly access these locations and what they should expect as a part of that care. Patients will undergo a series of screening questions and will only be tested for COVID-19 should it be deemed necessary because of the screening.
• As an added protection measure our healthcare organizations will be adding screening protocols at all our locations. If you are entering a healthcare facility, please expect to be stopped for screening and allow yourself a few extra minutes to get to your appointment. This screening may include several questions and a quick temperature check. We ask that you please be patient during this process as we work through the best ways to keep everyone healthy and safe.
• If residents have questions as to whether their doctor appointments or procedures have been cancelled, please ask the residents to check with their provider.