COVID-19 Updates

Illinois COVID-19 Awareness Dashboard (WIU.edu)

McDonough County COVID-19 Awareness Dashboard (WIU GIS Center)

NOVEMBER 25 Update:

Click here for the latest MDH News Update.

NOVEMBER 19 Update:

Click here for the latest MDH News Update.

AUGUST 27 Update:

McDonough District Hospital will change hours effective immediately for the COVID nurse hotline (309) 836-1715 to coincide with the drive-thru screening station.
The drive-thru screening station hours remain Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

What We Have Learned from COVID-19 (Dr. Edwin Card & Dr. Jack McPherson)

MDH announces permanent building for drive-thru screening station.

2020 MDH Golf Tournament Cancelled, Date for 2021 Event Set

JUNE 16 Update:

MDH Announces Relaxed Visitor Guidelines

MAY 19 Update:

MDH IS HERE FOR YOU: As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, another important public health crisis has emerged. Patients are delaying or foregoing critical emergency medical care, putting their health and well-being at increased risk. Hospitals, physicians and Advanced Practice Nurses across the country report that Emergency Room (ER) and primary care office visits have declined as much as 40 to 50 percent over the last several months. Concerns that going to a hospital or physician’s office might expose patients to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases have resulted in dangerous delays or avoidance of necessary urgent evaluation of serious problems. Remember, MDH is here...

For Your Safety and Well-Being: MDH screens every patient and employee at all main entrances of the hospital and clinics every day. MDH also provides a face covering for every patient and employee who may need one.
For Your Primary Care and Preventative Healthcare: The clinics at and with MDH are here for your primary care, behavioral health and preventative health care needs, including: Pediatrics, Family Clinic, Bushnell Family Practice, OB/GYN, Convenience Clinic, Behavioral Health Services, and the Springfield Clinic of Macomb.
For Your Convenience: MDH provides TeleHealth services, a drive-thru screening station, offers a COVID-19 nurse hotline, and the MDH Convenience Clinic is here for your healthcare needs seven days a week
To Provide you a Positive Patient Experience

MAY 18 Update:

LETTER FROM MDH PRESIDENT/CEO BRIAN E. DIETZ, FACHE: In a letter to area residents, MDH President/Chief Executive Officer Brian E. Dietz, FACHE, expressed what steps MDH has taken to ensure patient safety and well-being during this COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dietz, "We are committed to providing you the quality, compassionate care you have come to trust from us."

RADIOLOGY UPDATE: Starting May 18, MDH Radiology will resume performing mammograms in the Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center. If you are due for an annual mammogram or had any digital imaging test postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, call MDH Radiology at (309) 836-1550 and schedule one today. Learn more about all the digital imaging procedures available at www.MDH.org.

MAY 8 Update:

AS A REMINDER WHILE INDOORS: According to the Governor’s Executive Order in relation to Public Health Requirements for Individuals Leaving Home and for Businesses - wearing a face covering in public places or when working... Any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. Face coverings are required in public indoor spaces such as stores.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES COLUMN: To read the latest COVID-19 column from MDH Behavioral Health Services (by Miriam Mindeman, MA, LCPC) go to the Behavioral Health Services page on www.MDH.org.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE (www.mchdept.com): The McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) announced on Friday two additional McDonough County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 48. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols have been implemented. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the residents in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission. Due to Federal privacy restrictions, the release of any additional information on these cases is prohibited.

MAY 4 Update:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES COLUMN: To read the full version of the most-recent column by Kim Laird of MDH Behavioral Health go to the Behavioral Health Services page on www.MDH.org.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT (www.mchdept.com): The McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) announces two additional McDonough County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 36. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols have been implemented. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the residents in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission. Due to Federal privacy restrictions, the release of any additional information on these cases is prohibited.

DOUBLED UP: Since last Friday afternoon’s MDH News Update, the total amount of positive cases in McDonough County doubled from the prior total of 18 to now 36. There were nine new cases announced Saturday, seven Sunday and another two on Monday.

SURGERY TO RESUME MAY 11: MDH also announced this week that following the stipulations being lifted on performing elective surgeries, it will re-start procedures on May 11. Emergency surgeries were always performed during the recent COVID pandemic, now with elective surgeries extra precautions will have to take place. According to Dr. Edwin Card, MDH Chief Medical Officer the following protocols will be implemented.

Prior to surgery patients will have to have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their procedure.
After the patient’s pre-surgery COVID testing, they must self-isolate from the time of the COVID screening until the surgical procedure.
Because of the possibility of aerosols which could be generated during the course of a procedure, it will be necessary to prolong the interval between cases in order to appropriately clean the room for the next patient. Because of this our schedule is going to be very limited.
Continued elective surgery will be predicated on maintaining adequate supplies and capacity to deal with a surge of cases of COVID–19 if they should occur.
MDH is doing its utmost to ensure the safety of patients in and around our hospital. Because of this certain head and neck procedures will not be resumed at this time but may be available at a later date.

MAY 1 Update:

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT (www.mchdept.com): The McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) today announced the first death of a McDonough County resident who tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was a resident in his 70s who tested positive earlier this week. Due to Federal privacy restrictions, release of any additional information on this case is prohibited.

NEW WEEKEND HOURS AT THE DRIVE-THRU SCREENING TENT: To meet the increased community need, MDH announces that the hours of operation on Saturday and Sunday at the drive-thru screening station will be 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Monday-Friday times of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. remain. With recent IDPH guidelines loosening the restrictions on getting a COVID-19 test, patients are still encouraged to pre-register by calling their primary care provider or the nurse triage hotline at (309) 836-1715 to cut down on the wait time at the screening station.

Prior to surgery patients will have to have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their procedure.
After the patient’s pre-surgery COVID testing, they must self-isolate from the time of the COVID screening until the surgical procedure.
Because of the possibility of aerosols which could be generated during the course of a procedure, it will be necessary to prolong the interval between cases in order to appropriately clean the room for the next patient. Because of this our schedule is going to be very limited.
Continued elective surgery will be predicated on maintaining adequate supplies and capacity to deal with a surge of cases of COVID–19 if they should occur.
MDH is doing its utmost to ensure the safety of patients in and around our hospital. Because of this certain head and neck procedures will not be resumed at this time but may be available at a later date.

APRIL 29 Update:

COUNTY SEES INCREASE TO 14 POSITIVE CASES (www.mchdept.com): Following Tuesday’s announcement of five new test results positive for COVID-19 and two more on Wednesday, the McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) announced there are now 14 cases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols have been implemented. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the residents in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission. Due to Federal privacy restrictions, the release of any additional information on these cases is prohibited.

DEFINING AN OUTBREAK: In Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s press release the McDonough County Health Department mentioned an outbreak. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) defines an outbreak at an Assisted Living facility as one or more positive case(s) along with others that are ill with symptoms.

IDPH NEW TESTING GUIDELINES: Earlier this week the IDPH loosened guidelines for getting a COVID-19 test. Anyone with COVID-19-like illness or symptoms can get a test, even without a doctor’s order. As testing capacity expands, testing is now available for people who: have COVID-19 symptoms or have a risk factor (contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or having a compromised immune system/serious chronic medical condition). Testing is also available for those with or without symptoms who: work in a healthcare facility; work in a correctional facility; serve as first responders; or support critical infrastructure (work in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare, and sanitation).

APRIL 24 Update:

FIFTH POSITIVE IN McDONOUGH COUNTY (www.mchdept.com): The McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) announces that a fifth McDonough County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is a male in his 50s. He is isolating at home and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols have been implemented. This case is not related to any of the other four positive cases within the county. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the resident in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
DID YOU KNOW?: As of April 23, Illinois recorded the sixth-most COVID-19 cases in the United States. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California rank ahead of Illinois, which is just ahead of Michigan.

NEW COLUMN FEATURE: Special thanks to MDH Behavioral Health Services Director Kim Laird, MS, LCPC, for the department’s inaugural column on topics surrounding COVID-19. The link to the entire column can be found on the Behavioral Health Services page on MDH.org.

APRIL 22 Update:

FOURTH POSITIVE IN McDONOUGH COUNTY (www.mchdept.com): The McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) announced Wednesday that a fourth McDonough County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is a male in his 30s. He is isolating at home and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols have been implemented. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the resident in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission. MCHD is working closely with local hospitals, healthcare providers, Emergency Management Agency, first responders, and county partners to respond to COVID-19.

TIME FOR A VIDEO VISIT: Feeling ill and don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Do you have a regularly scheduled appointment but for safety reasons would like to stay at home? MDH patients can now bring their provider to them. MDH providers will utilize a program called Doxy.me for a video visit with patients. There is no software to download or accounts to create with this new TeleHealth service. All that a patient needs is a computer or device with a camera and microphone. All the data is encrypted and no patient information is stored on Doxy.me. All HIPAA privacy requirements are met with this new service.

MDH clinics with the capability to offer TeleHealth include:

Behavioral Health Services (Outpatient)
Bushnell Family Practice
Ear, Nose and Throat
Family Clinic
OB/GYN
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy

APRIL 17 Update:

THANK YOU YETTER: A special Thank You goes to Yetter Farm Equipment for the donation of 40-plus face shields. These will be utilized by our frontline staff. Pictured is one of the donated face shields.

covid shield

LAB DRAW HOURS AT THE DRIVE-THRU SCREENING STATION: Patients can now have routine blood draws performed at the drive-thru screening station from 7-11 a.m. There will be a special time from 7-8 a.m. specifically for patients that are immunocompromised or high risk. All patients utilizing this service will need to call (309) 836-1585 to be pre-registered and scheduled as this requires a physician order. During inclement weather, this will be performed at the hospital.

LEARN MORE ON TELEHEALTH SERVICES: Feeling ill and don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Now you can bring the healthcare provider to you. Recently, McDonough District Hospital expanded outpatient TeleHealth services amid the current COVID-19 pandemic to better serve its patients. MDH providers will utilize a program called Doxy.me for a video visit with their patients. There is no software to download or accounts to create with this new TeleHealth service. All that a patient needs is a computer or device with a camera and microphone. All the data is encrypted and no patient information is stored on Doxy.me. All HIPAA privacy requirements are met with this new service. Patients with questions about the TeleHealth service can call their respective clinic.

APRIL 15 Update:

THANK YOU!: On Wednesday, MDH received a generous amount of face masks from groups and individuals in Macomb. A special Thank You goes out to: The Attic, Macomb VFW, Macomb Women’s Club/Macomb Prairie Quilters, and State Representative Norine Hammond. Many people have generously donated face masks to our healthcare staff, MDH greatly appreciates the generosity. Pictured are (L-R): MDH President/CEO Brian E. Dietz, FACHE; State Representative Norine Hammond; and MDH Vice President for Business Development Adrian MacGregor.

people with masks on

APRIL 13 Update:

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TWO MORE POSITIVES: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) announced Monday two additional positive COVID-19 cases from McDonough County. One is a female in her 20s and another is a female in her 60s. In both cases the person is isolating at home and CDC protocols have been implemented. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the respective patient in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission. With community spread of COVID-19 occurring across Illinois, all residents should take precautions to minimize transmission of illness. MCHD strongly urges all residents to please follow recommendations set forth by CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), including social distancing and continuing to abide by the Stay at Home Order issued by the Governor for the health and safety of the entire community.

APRIL 10 Update:

FROM THE McDONOUGH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) announce that one McDonough County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is a male in his 40’s and CDC protocols have been implemented. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the patient in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.

DRIVE-THRU SCREENING STATION RELOCATION THIS WEEKEND: Due to potential inclement weather in the forecast this weekend, the MDH drive-thru screening station is relocating temporarily. Starting Saturday morning, the canopy at the main entrance to the hospital will be utilized as the drive-thru screening station. Patients can enter from the East side as they do now and depart out the West. Patients MUST PRE-REGISTER through the MDH nurse triage hotline at (309) 836-1715.

NEW MOLECULAR TESTING OPTION FOR PROVIDERS: The MDH Laboratory announced new molecular viral respiratory testing to assist in ruling out potential SARS-COV-2 diagnoses during this COVID-19 pandemic. These new tests are all FDA approved on all age groups. Running a Viral Respiratory Panel would allow providers to rule out such diagnoses as: Influenza A & B, RSV, and Human Metapneumovirus.

According to Laboratory Director Brittany Doll MS, HTL (ASCP), “If the patient requires COVID-19 testing, in addition to a Viral Respiratory Panel, we collect a single nasal pharyngeal swab in viral transport media (VTM). This specimen alone is enough for us to run all the required tests. Additionally, we can employ reflex methodologies with the lateral flow immunoassays currently utilized. For example, if a “Rapid Influenza Standard” or “Rapid RSV” is ordered, and comes back initially as negative, we can run the VRP. This will either verify the negative result, or disprove the less sensitive test initially performed and conclude a positive result. We had that situation occur where a test was initially negative but after running a VRP the test came back positive for Influenza.”

APRIL 8 Update:

FAMILY CLINIC HOURS CHANGE: Starting on Monday, April 13, the MDH Family Clinic will change its hours of operation. The new hours Monday through Friday are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. This new schedule DOES NOT change the MDH Convenience Clinic hours. The MDH Family Clinic staff will contact patients who may have appointment times changed due to the new schedule. The regular scheduled hours of operation will resume after the pandemic is over.

STORAGE CONTAINERS ARRIVE: The first two storage containers arrived at the McDonough District Hospital parking lot on Wednesday. These containers, painted white with a red cross, are placed on both sides of the drive-thru screening station to provide shelter for the staff from the elements and help shield the screening station from the wind, while also allowing for equipment storage capabilities.

REMINDER FROM THE McDONOUGH COUNTY ESDA and HEALTH DEPARTMENT: The McDonough County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) sent out a reminder on Wednesday morning.

“We know it is nice outside, but if you have to go out, please maintain social distance. If you can, enjoy the warmth within your porch or backyard. We are making progress, but we must continue to flatten the curve. We are all in this together and together we will overcome.”

McDonough County agencies also remind the public during Easter weekend it is important to stay committed to social distancing and avoid large in-person gatherings. People are encouraged to:

Search their place of worship’s website, Facebook page, or other social media outlets and check to see if it offers a virtual service.
Celebrate the weekend with family via a video chat.
Continue avoiding large crowds and plan a larger gathering with family and friends after the pandemic is over.

McDonough County residents are reminded of the stay at home precautions that are necessary to protect their families and the community as a whole to slow the spread of COVID-19.

APRIL 6 Update:

NEW PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO: The McDonough County agency leaders, McDonough County Board of Directors Chair, Western Illinois University Interim President, Mayor of Macomb and MDH administration released a new Public Service Announcement.

APRIL 3 Update:

EXPANDED TELEHEALTH OPTION: McDonough District Hospital announces expanded outpatient services amid the current COVID-19 pandemic to better serve its patients. Starting Monday (April 6), MDH will expand its capability for TeleHealth services within the outpatient clinics. MDH providers will utilize a program called Doxy.me for a video visit with their patients. There is no software to download or accounts to create with this new TeleHealth service. All that a patient needs is a computer or device with a camera and microphone. All the data is encrypted and no patient information is stored on Doxy.me. All HIPAA privacy requirements are met with this new service. Patients with questions about the TeleHealth service can call their respective clinic.

According to Peter Rao, Vice President of the MDH Medical Group, some MDH providers have already begun to use the TeleHealth service with positive results and feedback. This allows patients, concerned about going out due to the Stay at Home order, to keep their regularly scheduled appointment time.

“During this time of social distancing, it is important to ensure that we still continue to take care of all our patients. TeleHealth gives the opportunity to visually assess and manage the health of our patients,” said Rao.

LAB DRAW HOURS AT THE DRIVE-THRU SCREENING STATION: Starting on Monday (April 6) patients can have routine blood draws performed at the drive-thru screening station from 7-11 a.m. There will be a special time from 7-8 a.m. specifically for patients that are immunocompromised or high risk. All patients utilizing this service will need to call (309) 836-1585 to be pre-registered and scheduled as this requires a physician order. During inclement weather, this will be performed at the hospital.

Cloth Mask Pattern

APRIL 1 Update:

DRIVE-THRU SCREENING STATION HOURS CHANGE: Starting on Thursday, April 2, the hours of the MDH drive-thru screening station will change slightly. The station will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will continue to operate seven days a week. Patients must get pre-registered to access the drive-thru. The nurse triage telephone hotline will remain from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. If a person is experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath they should call the nurse triage hotline at (309) 836-1715 or their primary care provider. Patients that have not called the MDH nurse triage hotline or their primary care provider will be asked to call the hotline to pre-register. All testing requires an order by a physician or nurse practitioner. We ask for no more than two occupants per vehicle.

MDH ANNOUNCES UPDATED VISITOR POLICY: For the safety of staff and patients, MDH implemented a No Visitor policy for inpatients and all outpatient services and clinics, but will allow limited exceptions.
Those limited exceptions include:

An obstetrics patient may have one designated visitor (the significant other or support person during labor and delivery).
A minor who is a patient may have one parent or guardian.
One visitor per adult inpatient per day for a patient with extenuating circumstances (such as end-of-life or trauma).
Children or patients with special needs may have one visitor with them.

All visitors meeting one of those exceptions must be 18 years or older. Every visitor will be screened for signs of a fever, respiratory illness, and cough. Visitors will also be asked if they have been tested for COVID-19 and whether the results are pending or positive. If a visitor runs a fever of 100.5 or show symptoms of respiratory illness they will not be allowed to enter the hospital and directed to head home or encouraged to call the MDH Convenience Clinic or their primary care provider.

Visitor Policy - Effective April 1, 2020

MARCH 30 Update:

TENTS ARE BACK AND OPERATIONAL: Following last weekend’s inclement weather, the two Emergency Room screening tents and drive-thru screening station are back and operational. To enter McDonough District Hospital, staff and those patients and visitors not experiencing respiratory symptoms enter through ER tent #1. Patients and visitors experiencing respiratory ailments should enter through ER tent #2.
MDH UROLOGY MOVE: On Monday (March 30), MDH Urology changed locations on the MDH campus. Dr. Thomas Patterson and the urology clinic moved to the former MDH Orthopedic building at 503 East Grant Street, adjacent to the hospital. For more information call MDH Urology at (309) 836-1760.

MARCH 30 = DOCTORS’ DAY: MDH would like to recognize all its practicing physicians as March 30 is celebrated as ‘National Doctors’ Day’. Thank you to all our heath care providers for their hard work and dedication to the organization and their patients.

HOW TO MAKE PROTECTIVE FACEMASKS: After further research on homemade masks and finding a pattern that will work with the equipment we have on hand, MDH released a sewing pattern for the general public to use. For those interested in making protective facemasks, go to www.MDH.org/COVID19 and click on the Homemade Facemasks link. People can deliver any homemade masks directly to the McDonough County Health Department at 505 E. Jackson Street in Macomb. MDH thanks everyone for their support.

MARCH 27 Update:

INCLEMENT WEATHER AND EMERGENCY ROOM TENTS: Due to inclement weather in the forecast, the screening tents outside of the Emergency Room will be taken down. All screenings to enter the hospital this weekend will take place inside the ER entrance.

CHANGE OF SCREENING STATION LOCATION THIS WEEKEND: Due to inclement weather in the forecast, and for the safety of our staff and patients, MDH is changing the location of the drive-thru screening station. All screens will take place in the MDH Convenience Clinic, inside Health Services Building 2 in the former Internal Medicine clinic.

Patients still must get pre-authorization for a screening by calling the nurse triage telephone hotline at (309) 836-1715 or their primary care provider. For those who do not have a primary care provider, call the MDH Family Clinic or MDH Convenience Clinic at (309) 837-6937. Screening procedures will test for Influenza A & B, strep, and COVID-19 as per the protocol followed by the nurse triage hotline or primary care provider.

MDH UROLOGY MOVE: Starting Monday, March 30, MDH Urology will change locations on the MDH campus. Dr. Thomas Patterson and the urology clinic is moving to the former MDH Orthopedic building at 503 East Grant Street, adjacent to the hospital.

SHARING OF INFORMATION: In this day of 24/7 information, there is still a section of the population not receiving the latest news updates. With the current coronavirus pandemic, it’s critical that everyone checks in on their family, friends, and neighbors to check on their wellbeing. When you do, make sure they’ve seen or heard the latest information from the city, county agencies and MDH. Share facts, not rumors. The McDonough County Health Department, McDonough County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, and McDonough District Hospital will continue to share information and health tips pertaining to the pandemic.

People can deliver any homemade masks directly to the McDonough County Health Department at 505 E. Jackson Street in Macomb. MDH thanks everyone for their support.

MARCH 25 Update:

DONATION OF MASKS: MDH received multiple requests from people wanting to make cloth facemasks for use as personal protection equipment. Per MDH Chief Medical Officer Edwin Card, MD, “Since these are not waterproof they would not be appropriate for personal protective equipment as long as we have adequate supplies. We believe that we can use them, however, for masking patients that are entering the facility if they have respiratory illness. This would help protect our staff from droplet contamination while at the same time preserving the waterproof masks for staff use for patient care.” People can deliver any homemade masks directly to the McDonough County Health Department at 505 E. Jackson Street in Macomb. MDH thanks everyone for their support.

NEW COUNTY INFORMATION SITE ON FACEBOOK: McDonough County has established a new Facebook page to help share information surrounding news and events related to COVID-19. The Facebook page is called McDonough County Emergency Information. The page is maintained by the McDonough County Joint Information Center.

MARCH 24 Story: MDH Announces Coronavirus Nurse Triage Hotline and a Drive-Thru Screening Station

MARCH 23 Update:

TENT 2 OPERATIONAL ON TUESDAY: MDH will begin screening in both tan tents on Tuesday afternoon. This initial point of contact for screening outside of the building will help protect the hospital from exposure to the virus.
Tent 1: Staff, Patients/Visitors with NO respiratory/cold/flu-like symptoms can be screened inside tent #1.
Tent 2: Anyone with respiratory/cold/flu-like symptoms should enter tent #2.

COLORECTAL CANCER KIT UPDATE: As MDH continues to take precautions in regards to the increased spread of COVID-19, and with the State of Illinois issuing a “Shelter in Place” order, MDH has decided to discontinue the free colorectal cancer kit distributions until further notice. MDH will make an announcement when the kits will be made available again for distribution. For those who already picked up a kit, follow the kit instructions and mail the sample back for screening.

People can deliver any homemade masks directly to the McDonough County Health Department at 505 E. Jackson Street in Macomb. MDH thanks everyone for their support.

GET A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT MDH INCIDENT COMMAND: Get a behind the scenes look during the early stages of the COVID-19 planning process at McDonough District Hospital, featuring members of the MDH Incident Command Team along with representatives from the McDonough County Health Department and McDonough County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency.

MARCH 20 Update:

TENT ENTRANCE TO MDH: The tan tent located outside of the Emergency Room at McDonough District Hospital currently serves as the point of entry for screening of patients and visitors to enter the hospital. This initial point of screening outside of the building will help protect the hospital from exposure to the virus. Signage is posted on the tent. Thank you for your cooperation.

COMMUNITY UPDATE VIDEOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Two update videos with leaders from McDonough District Hospital, City of Macomb, and McDonough County are currently available on the Facebook pages of MDH, McDonough County ESDA, and other civic pages. Learn more on what the Macomb and McDonough County leaders are doing to keep everyone safe and protected during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

MARCH 18 Update:

McDonough District Hospital is working with the McDonough County Health Department and McDonough County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency during the COVID-19 crisis.
The safest course of action for a person feeling mild-to-moderate flu-like symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath is to self-quarantine in their home and to call their healthcare provider to determine the next step in their care. MDH follows the County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health screening protocols for COVID-19.

COVID-19 test kits are NOT being handed out to the public. MDH does screen for Influenza.

If a patient displays symptoms of COVID-19 a test may be performed if they meet testing criteria. If a person is experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath they should call their primary care provider. If they do not have a primary care provider, call the MDH Family Clinic or MDH Convenience Clinic at (309) 837-6937.

Thank you for your cooperation.

COVID-19 Update – MDH Implements Visitor Restrictions

McDonough District Hospital update for March 16, 2020 on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

HOSPITAL INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED: In response to the State of Illinois declaring a State of Emergency due to COVID-19, McDonough District Hospital proactively initiated its Hospital Incident Command System protocols on March 12. The hospital has continually been monitoring the COVID-19 progress and acting accordingly, implementing HICS was done to officially start the organization-wide planning process. The organization’s Incident Commander is Wanda Foster, MDH Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer. MDH will continue to meet regularly with the McDonough County Health Department and the McDonough County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) to monitor the situation.

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS: With the State of Illinois declaring a State of Emergency due to COVID-19, MDH will implement a new visitor policy per Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.

Effective immediately, the new MDH visitor policy includes:

Access will be limited to the emergency room entrance for visitors to the hospital. Patients entering Health Services Building 1 and 2 must enter through that building's main entrance.
Patients may have one visitor per day. Exceptions may be made for those with extenuating circumstances (such as near end-of-life, critical care, or trauma).
Unless they are seeking emergency or ambulatory care, no one 16 years old and younger will be allowed to visit MDH.
Starting Tuesday morning (March 17) at 8 a.m. visitors will be screened for signs of a fever, respiratory illness, and cough. If you are a visitor running a fever of 100.5 or show symptoms of respiratory illness you will not be allowed to enter the hospital. Temperature screenings will also take place at the North Lafayette Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic and Bushnell Family Practice.
MDH asks that all visitors who display symptoms of fever, respiratory illness, or cough stay at home.

MDH will also follow the State of Illinois’ restrictions for the general public and visiting restaurants. The general public is NOT allowed to visit Café 525 and coin café until further notice. Those immediate family members visiting a patient are welcome to take advantage of both the Café 525 and coin café.

All in-person prenatal classes are now postponed. The online prenatal classes are available via the Childbirth and Labor classes link under Obstetrics on MDH.org.

The two MDH L.I.F.E. classes for March will be moved back to the fall.

MDH already put in place visitor recommendations in late December due to the increase in influenza cases around the area and state.