Coronavirus Update

What we're doing to keep you safe

As global and domestic cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) rise, we have implemented additional measures at our hospitals and clinics to protect the health of everyone we serve.

We are actively monitoring updates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), state and local health departments.
We have procedures in place should a patient present with symptoms.
Travel screening protocols have been activated, and any individual who meets the criteria established by the CDC is placed in isolation and local health departments are notified to assist with further testing.
We are also carefully monitoring supply chain issues to preserve adequate personal protection equipment (PPE) and other supplies for our staff and ill patients as demand increases.

Temporary visitor restrictions

As Colorado experiences increased spread of COVID-19, and in accordance with CDC guidance, Good Samaritan Medical Center is increasing measures to keep our patients, teams and community safe.

Effective March 26 at 7 a.m., Good Samaritan Medical Center is moving to a zero visitor policy until further notice.

Only in select instances are exceptions to this zero visitor policy allowed.

One visitor per patient, per stay may be permitted in the following situations:

Mothers on Labor and Delivery or Mom/Baby (one designated visitor allowed for the duration of the stay)
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – mother and significant other are allowed to visit; one visitor at a time in the NICU
Any patients with a disability who require assistance with the provision of medical care or activities of daily living, speaking for the patient or keeping the patient safe
Individuals who exercise power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for a patient
The legal guardian is permitted for patients who are 21 years of age or younger
Patient undergoing surgery or in procedural areas
Patients at the end of life
Patients in the Emergency Department, with the exception of those suspected of having COVID-19

All patients should still enter through the Emergency Department, where we will be screening for symptoms and fever. Visitors with a fever over 100 degrees F or with symptoms (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) will be politely asked to leave.

We encourage those who want to check on a current patient in the facility to reach out to the patient electronically via cellphone, email, social media, or by calling the patient’s room phone.

We recognize this may be a hardship for patients and their loved ones. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we come together as a community to keep each other healthy and safe.

Thank you.

How to protect yourself

COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact and by coming into contact with infected surfaces. You can help protect yourself and limit the spread of disease with these tips:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and always after using the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of infection with the new coronavirus can be mild to severe and include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Symptoms may appear 14 days after exposure.

Those with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or chronic lung disease should take extra precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Learn more about symptoms from the CDC.

If you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms

Call your doctor

Call your doctor if:

You have symptoms and
Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or
Have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19 as outlined by CDC

If your symptoms are severe, seek emergency care or call 911.

Call the Emergency Room in advance or tell the 911 dispatch operator that you think may have been exposed to COVID-19 and describe the symptoms you are experiencing.

Your doctor must provide an order for testing in advance of your arrival.

In Colorado: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has established testing standards.
In Montana: The Montana Department of Health and Human Services has testing criteria that is being managed at the county level.

Virtual options for care

Consider using SCL Health’s Right Care virtual options.

Online Visits
Connect with an SCL Health provider online who can help assess your symptoms based on the most recent updates from the CDC.

This option costs $35 and is not covered by insurance.

You will only be charged for the online visit if a diagnosis is made and treatment options suggested. If you are referred to an in-person physician visit, you will not be charged for the online visit. Learn more.
Video Visits
You can meet by video with SCL Health physicians currently available for video visits.

For existing appointments and when clinically appropriate, you can request to convert your in-person visit to a video visit. The video visit process is different by state:
- In Colorado: Request a video visit with an SCL Health provider when you call to make an appointment. More than 200 providers in Colorado are able to host video visits.
- In Montana: Schedule a video visit online through MyChart. Learn more.

Coronavirus Information and Resources