Changes Continue Because of COVID-19

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JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is encouraging all visits, whether healthy or sick, to be done via Virtual Visits.  This may vary by provider and the reason for the visit, which can be discussed when you call the Fairbury Clinic at 402-729-3361 to schedule an appointment.

If during a Virtual Visit the provider determines that further evaluation needs to be done, the provider will give the patient further direction on how this will take place.

If you have questions regarding Virtual Visits at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, you can call 402-729-3361, option 2. To make an appointment, use option 1.

Some patients who see a specialist at Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services for followup may have the opportunity to visit with their specialist through technology from their own home. Both Bryan Heart and Genesis Psychiatric Group have been working with some patients who need followup to do so by telephone.

Patients who have specialist clinic visits scheduled (or who feel they need a specialist clinic visit) should call that specific specialty clinic’s main office directly to find out what options they may have.

Most outpatient specialty clinics which come to JCH&L have been suspended for now. Only essential services are being offered.

Those with questions about a specific clinic may contact JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

All entrances to JCH&L’s health center are now locked at all times. Those who have emergency needs with no respiratory symptoms are asked to use the ER/Outpatient entrance and pick up the telephone in the vestibule to contact nursing services and explain their need. Those who have respiratory symptoms are asked to call 402-729-3351 and ask for nursing to receive instructions for being seen.

Those who have other needs – such as questions on bills, requests for medical records information, etc., are asked to call 402-729-3351.

Hospital patients are now limited to 1 visitor per room. Visitors should use the ER/Outpatient entrance and will be screened. If the door is not staffed, please pick up the telephone in the entry way to contact the nurses station for direction.

The Jefferson Community Health & Life Auxiliary Annual Spring Salad Festival has been postponed from its May 7 date.

“We are uncertain whether we will be able to reschedule this fund-raiser for this year,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations. “We thank those who have been faithful supporters of this event, which has been a fund-raiser for the Auxiliary’s projects since 1965.”

JCH&L has been implementing a number of precautionary measures in preparation for possible cases of COVID-19. Although there are no confirmed cases in Jefferson County, there are cases in Gage County, which is also part of our five-county public health district.

The number of Nebraskans diagnosed continues to grow.

Reminders of precautions already in place:

  • JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are CLOSED to all non-essential personnel, including family members.
  • The JCH&L cafeteria is closed to the public. It will remain open only to staff.
  • Immunization clinics regularly offered twice at month at Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services by Blue Valley Community Action have been suspended until further notice.
  • Women’s Health Days offered monthly by JCH&L Radiology and Fairbury Clinic are suspended until further notice.
  • Volunteers are not coming to the facility until further notice.
  • JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services is limiting to patients requiring essential services.
  • Non-essential services are being postponed at the patient’s medical provider’s discretion.
  • JCH&L Plymouth Clinic will be closed until further notice.
  • JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is closed.
  • Patients are encouraged NOT to drop bill payments off at the clinic. Please call for other alternatives.
  • All support groups and outside programs have been postponed until further notice. This includes Parkinson’s Support Group, Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Health Today and Smart Moves lifestyle change program
  • Sterling Connection trips for April have been cancelled.
  • Patients for all services continue to be screened for recent travel to areas of high incidence/community spread, signs and symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), and whether they have had any contact with persons who have been diagnosed or are under investigation for having COVID-19. Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction.

JCH&L Among Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for Quality

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Jefferson Community Health & Life has been named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for quality in the country.

The Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals scored best among critical access hospitals as determined by The Chartis Center for Rural Health for quality. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo.

Those hospitals that have been recognized as Top 20 Critical Access Hospital “best practice recipients” have achieved success one of two key areas of performance:

Quality index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across the indicators of Hospital Compare Process of Care measures.

Patient perspective index: A rating of hospital performance aggregated and ranked across 10  domains of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS).

They were selected from The Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2020 Top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.

“Jefferson Community Health & Life is proud of the efforts of its physicians and staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” said Victor Lee, MHA, LFACHE.

“Our results as a top 20 hospital in quality means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.”

Jefferson Community Health & Life has a history of nationwide recognition as a critical access hospital. In February JCH&L was named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the United States for the sixth time in seven years. JCH&L scored in the top 100 of critical access hospitals (CAHs) on the iVantage Strength INDEX™ in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015 and 2014

In May 2018, JCH&L was recognized by The Chartis Center and the National Rural Health Association for being in the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for 2018.

In November 2019, JCH&L was recognized for the third consecutive year with the Performance Leadership Award for overall excellence in quality, outcomes and patient perspective. The Performance Leadership Award is given by the Chartis Center for Rural Health/iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health (NOSORH).

“These recognitions reaffirm that our emphasis on quality, performance and satisfaction are making a difference to the people we serve and to our health center,” Lee said.

Most JCH&L Outpatient Clinics Postponed through April 10

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Most Jefferson Community Health & Life outpatient specialty clinics have been postponed through April 10. Non-essential outpatient services are being postponed, at the discretion of the patient’s medical provider. If you have a question about a specific specialist or outpatient service, please call Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is now asking all patients to park on the west or east sides of the building, and call the clinic when they arrive for their appointment. Please stay in the car until you are notified that the clinic staff is ready for you, and they will meet you at either the east or west side door, depending in which provider the appointment is with.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic continues to require that anyone with respiratory symptoms call the clinic at 402-729-3361 for an appointment rather than walking in. Virtual Visit appointments are also available, allowing the patient to see a medical provider from their home.

Anyone with questions on these new clinic instructions should call 402-729-3361 and choose option 2 for patient services.

JCH&L has been implementing a number of precautionary measures in preparation for possible cases of COVID-19. Although there are no confirmed cases in the five-county public health district, COVID-19 is currently being treated as if it is in our area due to very limited testing resources.

The number of Nebraskans diagnosed continues to grow.

If symptoms require emergency care, patients are asked to call the hospital at 402-729-3351 before coming to the ER.

 

Reminders of precautions already in place:

  • Immunization clinics regularly offered twice at month at Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services have been suspended until further notice.
  • Women’s Health Days offered monthly by JCH&L Radiology and Fairbury Clinic are suspended until further notice.
  • Volunteers are not coming to the facility until further notice.
  • JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services is limiting to patients requiring essential services.
  • Non-essential services are being postponed at the patient’s medical provider’s discretion.
  • JCH&L Plymouth Clinic will be closed until further notice.
  • Outpatient visits, surgeries and procedures with many specialists have been postponed. All patients with appointments are being contacted. If you have a question about a specific outpatient service or specialty clinic, please call 402-729-6851.
  • JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is closed.
  • JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is scheduling patients who have respiratory symptoms in the afternoons, and patients without respiratory symptoms in the mornings. Injections and blood pressure checks will also be in the morning.
  • The clinics ask that only one other person accompany any patient to the clinic for appointments.
  • JCH&L Fairbury Clinic will no longer take walk-ins. Same day appointments are typically available. Please call 402-729-3361 to make an appointment.
  • Patients are encouraged NOT to drop bill payments off at the clinics. Please call for other alternatives.
  • JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are CLOSED to all non-essential personnel, including family members.
  • The JCH&L cafeteria is closed to the public. It will remain open only to staff.
  • Hospital visitors are limited to 2 per patient room. All will be screened for recent travel to areas of high incidence/community spread, signs and symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), and whether they have had any contact with persons who have been diagnosed or are under investigation for having COVID-19.
  • Hospital visitors may use the main entrance from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the ER/Outpatient Entrance (pick up the phone to reach the nurses station) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • All support groups and outside programs have been postponed until further notice. This includes Parkinson’s Support Group, Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Health Today and Smart Moves lifestyle change program
  • Sterling Connection trips for March and April have been cancelled.
  • Patients for all services continue to be screened. Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction. Non-essential services may be rescheduled.
  • Patients who have symptoms of possible respiratory illness are encouraged to call for screening over the telephone before arriving at any medical facility.

JCH&L Partners with New Bill Processing Company

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is now partnering with Med-Plan Payment Processing for hospital and outpatient services billing. Med-Plan is an extension of our business office. Bills can be paid to JCH&L at PO Box 277, or at our main business office at 2200 H St. in Fairbury.

For the convenience of our patients, Med-Plan Payment Processing offers online bill payment. Med-Plan Payment Processing is also happy to work with you to provide payment plans.

Because our previous partner was Avadyne, patients may still receive statements from Avadyne, and should continue to work with Avadyne on these bills. Avadyne will also continue to work with patients on previously established payment plans.

If you have questions about your bill for hospital or outpatient services, please call Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402.729.3351.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic bills are paid directly to the clinic. Payment may be mailed to JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, 825 22nd St., PO Box 196, Fairbury, NE 68352. If you would like to pay by credit card or debit card, you may pay by phone by calling 402-729-3361, extension 1.

If you have questions about your Fairbury Clinic bill or would like to make payment arrangements, please call 402-729-3361, extension 7114.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage patients to take advantage of making payments by mail, online, or credit or debit card over the phone.

JCH&L Updates Because of COVID-19

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Jefferson Community Health & Life continues to expand its precautionary measures in preparation for possible cases of COVID-19. Although there are no confirmed cases in the five-county public health district, COVID-19 is currently being treated as if it is in our area due to very limited testing resources. Only hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, and at-risk health care personnel experiencing severe respiratory symptoms will be tested for COVID-19 at this time, said Amber Brunow, JCH&L infection preventionist.

“Those with suspected COVID-19 with symptoms which can be managed at home will be required to self-quarantine for up to 14 days,” Brunow said.

The number of Nebraskans diagnosed continues to grow.

JCH&L continues to require that anyone with respiratory symptoms call the clinic at 402-729-3361 for an appointment rather than walking in. Virtual Visit appointments are also available, allowing the patient to see a medical provider from their home.

If symptoms require emergency care, patients are asked to call the hospital at 402-729-3351 before coming to the ER.

In order to protect our staff, patients, residents, and customers, JCH&L is taking the following measures:

As of Monday, March 23

  • Immunization clinics regularly offered twice at month at Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services have been suspended until further notice.
  • Women’s Health Days offered monthly by JCH&L Radiology and Fairbury Clinic are suspended until further notice.
  • Volunteers are not coming to the facility until further notice.
  • JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services is limiting to patients requiring essential services.
  • Non-essential services are being postponed at the patient’s medical provider’s discretion.

Reminders of precautions already in place:

  • JCH&L Plymouth Clinic will be closed until further notice.
  • Reduced price blood screenings scheduled for March 23-27 in Fairbury and Plymouth have been cancelled.
  • Outpatient visits, surgeries and procedures with many specialists have been cancelled: Podiatry (Dr. Williamson), orthopedic (Dr. Harris), and cataracts (Dr. Sutton). All patients with appointments are being contacted.
  • JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is closed.
  • JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is scheduling patients who have respiratory symptoms in the afternoons, and patients without respiratory symptoms in the mornings. Injections and blood pressure checks will also be in the morning.
  • The clinics ask that only one other person accompany any patient to the clinic for appointments.
  • JCH&L Fairbury will no longer take walk-ins. Same day appointments are typically available. Please call 402-729-3361 to make an appointment.
  • Patients are encouraged NOT to drop bill payments off at the clinics. Please call for other alternatives.
  • Bryan Heart Institute will not be having clinics at JCH&L Outpatient Services effective immediately until further notice.
  • JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are CLOSED to all non-essential personnel, including family members.
  • The JCH&L cafeteria is closed to the public. It will remain open only to staff.
  • Hospital visitors are limited to 2 per patient room. All will be screened for recent travel to areas of high incidence/community spread, signs and symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), and whether they have had any contact with persons who have been diagnosed or are under investigation for having COVID-19.
  • Hospital visitors may use the main entrance from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the ER/Outpatient Entrance (pick up the phone to reach the nurses station) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • All support groups and outside programs have been postponed until further notice. This includes Parkinson’s Support Group, Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Health Today and Smart Moves lifestyle change program
  • Sterling Connection trips for March and April have been cancelled.
  • Patients for all services continue to be screened. Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction. Non-essential services may be rescheduled.
  • Patients who have symptoms of possible respiratory illness are encouraged to call for screening over the telephone before arriving at any medical facility.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic to Offer Virtual Visits; JCH&L Plymouth Clinic Closed Until Further Notice; Several Outpatient Clinics Cancelled

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JCH&L Fairbury Clinic will offer virtual visits beginning Monday, March 23. Virtual visits will offer a great option for patients to be seen by a family medicine provider without leaving their home.

Virtual visits may be used for any type of medical concern. They could be especially helpful for those who have symptoms they feel might indicate COVID-19.

Virtual visits will be submitted to insurance, just as a regular office visit would, but are less costly than office visits. Regular deductibles and copays apply. The patient must have a smartphone or other type of device, such as laptop (must have camera and microphone), iPad, or tablet. If a patient is going to use a family member’s device, they will need to know the phone number or email when they make their appointment.

The process is simple:

  • Call JCH&L Fairbury Clinic at 402-729-3361 and dial 1 to make an appointment.
  • Staff will need to know your name, cell phone number or email (if you wish to use a laptop), and symptoms or the reason for the visit. They will ask if there a provider you prefer to see.
  • The clinic staff will send you a link. At about 10 minutes prior to your appointment time, you will follow the link.
  • If you are an established patient you do not need to fill out the demographic information online.
  • You will sign a consent and be put in the virtual “waiting room” until your medical provider joins you.
  • If you require testing, you will receive instructions from your medical provider.
  • Once the appointment is complete, if you need a prescription, the clinic staff will transmit the prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new virtual visit option to our patients,” said Erin Starr, chief nursing officer at Jefferson Community Health & Life. “As our society works to reduce and delay the spread of COVID-19, virtual visits are a way to seek medical care from your own home.”

To make an appointment, dial 402-729-3361 and choose option 1. If you have general questions about the process, please call patient services at 402-729-3361, and choose option 2.

Jefferson Community Health & Life continues to expand its precautionary measures in preparation for possible cases of COVID-19. To date, no cases have been identified in Jefferson County or surrounding counties, but the Nebraska number of cases diagnosed continues to grow. In order to protect our staff, patients, residents, and customers, JCH&L is taking the following measures.

As of Friday, March 20:

  • JCH&L Plymouth Clinic will be closed until further notice.
  • Reduced price blood screenings scheduled for March 23-27 in Fairbury and Plymouth have been cancelled.
  • Outpatient visits, surgeries and procedures with several specialists have been cancelled for next week: Podiatry (Dr. Williamson), orthopedic (Dr. Harris), and cataracts (Dr. Sutton). All patients with appointments are being contacted.

Reminders of precautions already in place:

  • JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is closed.
  • JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is scheduling patients who have respiratory symptoms in the afternoons, and patients without respiratory symptoms in the mornings. Injections and blood pressure checks will also be in the morning.
  • The clinics ask that only one other person accompany any patient to the clinic for appointments.
  • JCH&L Fairbury and Plymouth clinics will no longer take walk-ins. Same day appointments are typically available. Please call 402-729-3361 to make a Fairbury Clinic appointment, and
    402-729-6888 to make a Plymouth Clinic appointment.
  • Patients are encouraged NOT to drop bill payments off at the clinics. Please call for other alternatives.
  • Bryan Heart Institute will not be having clinics at JCH&L Outpatient Services effective immediately until further notice.
  • JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are CLOSED to all non-essential personnel, including family members.
  • The JCH&L cafeteria is closed to the public. It will remain open only to staff.
  • Hospital visitors are limited to 2 per patient room. All will be screened for recent travel to areas of high incidence/community spread, signs and symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), and whether they have had any contact with persons who have been diagnosed or are under investigation for having COVID-19.
  • Hospital visitors may use the main entrance from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the ER/Outpatient Entrance (pick up the phone to reach the nurses station) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • All support groups and outside programs have been postponed until further notice. This includes Parkinson’s Support Group, Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Health Today and Smart Moves lifestyle change program
  • Sterling Connection trips for March and April have been cancelled.
  • Patients for all services continue to be screened. Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction. Non-essential services may be rescheduled.
  • Patients who have symptoms of possible respiratory illness are encouraged to call for screening over the telephone before arriving at any medical facility.

JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center Closed to Public; Family Medicine Clinics Take Additional Precautions

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is expanding its precautionary measures in preparation for possible cases of COVID-19. To date, no cases have been identified in Jefferson County or surrounding counties, but the Nebraska number of cases diagnosed continues to grow. In order to protect our staff, patients, residents, and customers, JCH&L is taking the following measures.

As of Wednesday, March 18:

  • JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center will be closed to the public.
  • JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is scheduling patients who have respiratory symptoms in the afternoons, and patients without respiratory symptoms in the mornings. Injections and blood pressure checks will also be in the morning. Patients who already have appointments are being contacted to be rescheduled.
  • The clinics ask that only one other person accompany any patient to the clinic for appointments.
  • JCH&L Fairbury and Plymouth clinics will no longer take walk-ins. Same day appointments are typically available. Please call 402-729-3361 to make a Fairbury Clinic appointment, and 402-729-6888 to make a Plymouth Clinic appointment.
  • Patients are encouraged NOT to drop bill payments off at the clinics. Please call for other alternatives.
  • Bryan Heart Institute will not be having clinics at JCH&L Outpatient Services effective immediately until further notice.Reminders of precautions already in place:
  •  JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are CLOSED to all non-essential personnel, including family members.
  • The JCH&L cafeteria is closed to the public. It will remain open only to staff.
  • Hospital visitors will be limited to 2 per patient room. All will be screened for recent travel to areas of high incidence/community spread, signs and symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), and whether they have had any contact with persons who have been diagnosed or are under investigation for having COVID-19.
  • Hospital visitors may use the main entrance from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the ER/Outpatient Entrance (pick up the phone to reach the nurses station) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • All support groups and outside programs have been postponed until further notice. This includes Parkinson’s Support Group, Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Health Today and Smart Moves lifestyle change program
  • Sterling Connection trips for March and April have been cancelled.
  • Patients for all services continue to be screened. Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction. Non-essential services may be rescheduled.
  • Patients who have symptoms of possible respiratory illness are encouraged to call for screening over the telephone before arriving at any medical facility.

Those with questions should call JCH&L at 402-729-3351.

JCH&L Expands Precautionary Measures Regarding COVID-19

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is expanding its precautionary measures in preparation for possible cases of COVID-19. To date, no cases have been identified in Jefferson County or surrounding counties, but the Nebraska number of cases diagnosed continues to grow. In order to protect our staff, patients, residents, and customers, JCH&L is taking the following measures.

As of Monday, March 16:

  • JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are CLOSED to all non-essential personnel, including family members. Both were closed to visitors as of Saturday, March 14, because of new restrictions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS.)

Starting Tuesday, March 17:

  • The JCH&L cafeteria will be closed to the public. It will remain open only to staff.
  • Hospital visitors will be limited to 2 per patient room. All will be screened for recent travel to areas of high incidence/community spread, signs and symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), and whether they have had any contact with persons who have been diagnosed or are under investigation for having COVID-19.
  • Hospital visitors may use the main entrance from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the ER/Outpatient Entrance (pick up the phone to reach the nurses station) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center will be open regular hours, but access will be only from the activity court door. JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center members/users will not be allowed to access JCH&L from the fitness center. All fitness center classes are suspended until further notice.
  • All support groups and outside programs have been postponed until further notice. This includes Parkinson’s Support Group, Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Health Today and Smart Moves lifestyle change program
  • Sterling Connection trips for March and April have been cancelled.
  • Patients for all services continue to be screened. Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction. Non-essential services may be rescheduled.
  • Patients who have symptoms of possible respiratory illness are encouraged to call for screening over the telephone before arriving at any medical facility.

“We are staying abreast of the latest information from the Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and we are working with state and local public health officials,” said Vic Lee, interim CEO at JCH&L. “We ask that our community understand that the situation continues to evolve and change rapidly, and we are making the best decisions we can to protect and care for our area residents, staff and community. Precautionary measures will continue to change as we receive new information on COVID-19.”

Gardenside and Cedarwood Closed

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New restrictions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) require that as of today (Saturday, March 14) JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood assisted living will be closed to all non-essential personnel, including family members.

JCH&L Takes Precautionary Measures Regarding COVID-19

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is taking precautionary measures and preparing for possible cases of COVID-19. While a small number cases have been identified in Nebraska, none have been identified to date in Jefferson County or surrounding counties.

As of Wednesday, March 11, JCH&L was discouraging visitors to Gardenside and Cedarwood, as the residents and tenants are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and influenza, which remains active in the area. Anyone who must visit Gardenside or Cedarwood, and patients at any JCH&L facilities, are now being screened for COVID-19 risk factors.

Screening questions include:

  • Have you traveled to China, Iran, Italy or South Korea or have you been on a cruise ship recently?
  • Do you have any signs or symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat)?
  • Have you had contact with someone who has COVID-19 or who is under investigation for COVID-19?
  • Do you live in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring?

Anyone who has any of these risk factors will not be allowed to visit Gardenside or Cedarwood. JCH&L continues to require masking for any visitors to Gardenside or Cedarwood who have not been vaccinated for influenza.

Hospital or clinic patients with positive screening results will be cared for appropriately and given guidance and direction. Non-essential services may be rescheduled.

Patients who have symptoms of possible respiratory illness are encouraged to call for screening over the telephone before arriving at any medical facility.

“The health and wellness of our residents and tenants and the caregiving team who support them is our number one priority,” said Vic Lee, interim CEO at JCH&L. “We are staying abreast of the latest information from the Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and we are working with state and local public health officials.”

We will be educating staff and residents and families on symptom awareness for COVID-19, and infection control best practices.

“We have plans in place for a wide variety of emergencies. These plans continue to be updated and details are changed appropriately as needed for specific possible concerns, such as COVID-19,” Lee said. “Precautionary measures may change as we receive new information on COVID-19.”