Conway Medical Center confirms it has a coronavirus patient, changes visitation policy
Conway Medical Center was notified Thursday night by its private lab partner Quest that a patient has tested positive for COVID-19. It is the facility’s first confirmed case.
That patient is currently hospitalized in isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Beginning at noon Friday, CMC will no longer allow visitors for patients in the hospital, with the exception of those patients in end-of-life circumstances, based on S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster’s recommendation.
Exceptions are new births and pediatric patients, who are limited to one visitor. CMC said the new policy is for the health and safety of its patients, staff, and the overall community.
CMC is screening all patients and employees prior to entering the hospital. That screening includes questions about symptoms and possible exposure to someone with COVID-19, as well as taking temperature for fever.
The main lobby entrance to the hospital is closed. Emergency patients should still enter through the Emergency Department entrance, where a tent set up to screen and test patients to identify those who are showing signs of COVID-19 before they enter the facility.
Hospitals are asking people with COVID-19 symptoms to avoid going to the hospital unless it is a true medical emergency, and CMC is offering a phone line to speak with a medical professional for a screening at (843) 428-8767 Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Outside those hours, MUSC Health’s Virtual Care MUSC.care features an online virtual care provider.
The CMC patient is at least the seventh confirmed coronavirus case in Horry County. Grand Strand Medical Center, Tidelands Health and McLeod Seacoast also have confirmed cases.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 9:10 PM with the headline "Conway Medical Center confirms it has a coronavirus patient, changes visitation policy."
