Alternative medicine: Acu

Mohawk Valley responds to COVID-19 threat

COVID-19 changes hospital operations

To better protect patients, medical staff and employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, further visitor restrictions have been put in place at the Mohawk Valley Health System.

As directed by the New York State Department of Health, visitation to the main MVHS campuses is suspended at this time. This restriction applies to the Faxton, St. Elizabeth and St. Luke’s campuses.

In line with these new restrictions, the laboratories in the three main campuses are closed to the public. For a list of lab locations outside of the main campuses, visit https://mvhealthsystem.org/locations?type=lab. For updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak, visit mvhealthsystem.org/coronavirus.

Visitation prohibited at MVHS CRCCS

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, visits to the Mohawk Valley Health System Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services are prohibited.

“To allow our residents to continue communicating with their loved ones, we will be setting up Skype appointments,” a spokesperson said. If interested in setting up a Skype appointment with a resident, contact the director of therapeutic recreation, Amy Deangelo, at 315-624-8643.

She will help with setting up a Skype application and other information regarding an appointment.

Available appointments fall within the following time slots: — Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1-4 p.m.; or 6-7:30 p.m. — Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

There are limited weekend appointments.

“Additionally, we would like to reiterate that loved ones must refrain from dropping off any items to our residents as they will not be accepted,” the spokesperson said. “These items may be contaminated with the virus and pose a risk to our residents.”

Those with any additional questions regarding COVID-19 and the precautions being taken at MVHS may refer to the COVID-19 Information page at mvhealthsystem.org/ covid-19-information.

MVHS Dental Health Office closed

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the area, the Mohawk Valley Health System Dental Health Office will be closed until further notice with the exception of dental emergencies.

Those who are experiencing a dental emergency can call 315-624- 6227.

RMH suspends routine visitation

Out of caution, Rome Memorial Hospital has suspended all routine visitation due to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of patients, residents and staff.

In addition, the hospital will be reducing the number of entry points on its campus.

“We’re asking for everyone’s cooperation and understanding of the need to limit the number of people who come into contact with our patients and nursing home residents to protect those who are most vulnerable,” said Emma Ingalls, director of infection prevention.

One medically necessary support individual will be allowed to accompany a patient to a clinical area upon passing a health screening.

These include any patients with confusion, altered mental status, developmental delays or agitation or mobility issues, and children under the age of 18.

In addition, one support person is permitted to accompany surgical, emergency and maternity patients. Exceptions to the visitor policy will be made for family to visit critically ill patients upon completing the health screening.

The following entrances will be open for patients to access the hospital: — Emergency department: 24 hours a day — Main lobby, James Street: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays — Bartlett entrance, Oak Street: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays

All other entry points will be closed.

Both the main lobby and Bartlett entrances are closed on the weekend. “Protecting the health and well-being of our patients and caregivers is our top priority as our community works together to slow the spread of the virus,” Ingalls said.

Rome Rescue Mission responds to COVID-19 The Rome Rescue Mission is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak with established protocol and continued services.

“Our primary purpose and goal is the safety of our staff, men, women and children in low-income households, senior citizens and the community at large,” a spokesperson said.

Community breakfast, lunch and dinner will continue to be provided at 413 E. Dominick St. on a takeout basis.

The mission is adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state agencies’ recommendations for providing services and shelter in the future.

The Rome Rescue Mobile Mission will be providing meals to anyone in need.

The Rome Rescue Mobile Mission expects to be providing over 4,000 meals per month. The investment for these additional delivery services is expected to reach over $10,000 per month.

To cover the cost of these unexpected services, the mission has set up a Go Fund Me page. The mission is asking individuals and businesses for their support.

Updated information will be posted at romemission.org and Facebook.

The mobile mission will be delivering food at the following parking lot locations:

— South Rome Senior Center: Noon to 12:30 p.m. — Colonial I apartments: 12:45- 1:05 p.m. — Colonial II Apartments: 1:10- 1:30 p.m. — Valentine Apartments: 1:50- 2:10 p.m. — Liberty Gardens: 2:20-2:40 p.m.

— Pinti Field: 3-3:20 p.m. — Park Drive: 3:30-3:50 p.m.

VHS, VRS address COVID-19 threat

With the spread of the COVID-19 in New York state and across the region, Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services have made it a top priority to protect the health and safety of patients, residents and staff.

They are following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health in an effort to ensure the health and wellness of the population and protect them from unnecessary exposure to upper respiratory illness, including COVID-19.

Effective immediately, Valley Health and Residential Services has suspended visitation.

“We understand visiting with loved ones is important and it is for this reason VHS-VRS is being very proactive in providing family members a variety of other ways to connect with their loved ones. Should a resident experience a health crisis, the resident’s representative will be notified and special visitation procedures will be implemented,” a spokesperson said.

Additionally, Valley Health Residential Services has postponed its April 16 Lunch ‘n’ Learn event with Estate Planning Law Center.

“As COVID-19 progresses in the U.S., experts from all areas of our health network meet daily to understand the current situation and adjust our response as needed,” the spokesperson said.

SDMG implements COVID-19 measures

Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford has instituted preventive measures in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The health and safety of our patients has always been our top priority and during this time of heightened precautions, we are implementing several measures of protection for our patients and staff,” an SDMG spokesperson said.

• Entrances and patient screening: SDMG is limiting entrance to its main and urgent care entrances only. All other doors will be used only for exiting the building. All patients and companions, regardless of their reason for visiting the facility, will be screened at these two entrances. The screening procedure will be relatively quick, but we do ask that patients allow for some additional time to complete this process. If a patient is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, they may be asked to return to their vehicle and contact their doctor’s office or urgent care by phone. • Reducing traffic: If patients need to be accompanied to their appointment, they are being asked to limit companions to only one person, including children.

Every person entering the building will need to go through a screening process. Additionally, SDMG is limiting traffic throughout its building by not allowing pharmaceutical representatives, food vendors, and any other non-essential vendors into the facility during this time. • Reduced hours of operation: SDMG has reduced hours by closing its facility at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends.

Its urgent care, laboratory and radiology departments are open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Patients can visit SDMG.com or its Facebook page for updates regarding precautionary measures.