Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, please contact the health department.

Quick Links:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Georgia Department of Public Health
• Georgia Department of Public Health - West Central 
• Georgia Hospital Association

COVID-19 Facility Visitor Guidance

COVID-19 COVID-19 is a new disease caused by a novel coronavirus. Please take the following precautions to help protect our facility and community.

These guidelines are to protect our facility and our community. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. This is a rapidly evolving situation. Up-to-date information is available online: www.cdc.gov. 

To view an updated report on COVID-19 cases in Georgia, click here. 

Media Statement as of March 5, 2020:

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to work closely with the Department of Public Health and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure our hospital is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). Additionally, we are reviewing our facility’s robust emergency operations plan and proactively completing a number of preparation checklists.

While we have not evaluated or treated any patients with this virus at our hospital to date, St. Francis has taken the following measures to prepare, in accordance with CDC guidelines:

• Patients in the Emergency Department, inpatient units, and other entry points are screened based on their recent travel history.
• Personal protective equipment is available, including face masks, eye protection, gowns and other necessary supplies.
• Hand hygiene products are easily accessible throughout the facility
• Following standard infection control practices and protocols.

Importantly, all of the above are standard operating protocols that are in place year-round to help ensure the health and well-being of everyone who enters our hospital.

We want to assure our community that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the coronavirus. For more information, contact the Department of Public Health or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.