Governor signs executive order for masks in public

On July 9, Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order requiring Kentuckians to wear face coverings under several circumstances for the next 30 days. According to the governor’s office, the order will be evaluated during that time to determine any additional steps or extension.

There are several exemptions to the order, including children who are 5 or younger and any person with a disability, or a physical or mental impairment, that prevents them from safely wearing a face covering. To read the executive order and more exemptions, click here.

MED cENTER Health resumes key outpatient services

April 27, 2020 – In accordance with Governor Beshear’s announcement last week, Med Center Health resumed services today in the following areas: Diagnostic radiology and laboratory services, Ambulatory (physician office) visits, Rehab services (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy), and Pre-admission testing.

Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging (WKDI), which has been closed since March 26, re-opened its operations at 1635 Scottsville Road. Bluegrass Outpatient Center is offering rehab services at 1751 Scottsville Road. Orthopedics Plus Physical Therapy is open at all locations in Bowling Green, Franklin, Morgantown, Russellville, and Scottsville.

All areas which have resumed operations are strictly following state guidance under the Governor’s directive to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and staff.  This includes utilizing non-traditional waiting options when possible (waiting in cars rather than lobbies), screening for COVID-19 upon entrance to facilities, masking of patients and staff, enhanced sanitizing and disinfecting, and continuing to offer telemedicine options. Visitors will continue to be limited per the Governor’s directive.

HOSPITAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Residents are encouraged to remain calm and to use proper hygienic methods and social distancing to prevent the spread of airborne infections, such as the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses, including, but not limited to, the coronavirus.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. Full instructions are on the CDC website. Never put a mask on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• If in a private setting and not wearing a mask, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Practice hand hygiene – wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
• Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands; it’s the easiest way for germs to enter your body.
• Try to limit your exposure to sick people.
• Put distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Practice other good health habits – get plenty of sleep; stay active; manage your stress; drink plenty of fluids; and eat nutritious food.

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED

If you have traveled to any active zone within the past two weeks and have developed symptoms of lower respiratory illness — which include cough, shortness of breath, and fever — call your local hospital and ask to speak to the Emergency Department, or you may visit the Emergency Department. If you go to the Emergency Department, or any healthcare facility, please be sure to inform them immediately of your travel history and symptoms.

It is recommended that you call your physician before entering any healthcare facility if you believe you are exhibiting symptoms.

• The Medical Center at Bowling Green: 270-745-1000
• The Medical Center at Albany: 606-387-8000
• The Medical Center at Caverna: 270-786-2191
• The Medical Center at Franklin: 270-598-4800
• The Medical Center at Scottsville: 270-622-2800

HOW HAS MED CENTER HEALTH PREPARED?

Med Center Health is working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients amid concerns surrounding COVID-19. Our hospitals have existing bed capacity and have surge plans in place when necessary. We will continue to monitor and follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines, engage continuously with local infectious disease specialists and collaborate with key stakeholders through the Bowling Green-Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup. We are also fully compliant with Governor Beshear’s recommendations to restart elective procedures at this time.

All hospitals within the Med Center Health system are actively screening patients to determine exposure to communicable illnesses. The Medical Center at Bowling Green is prepared with:

• Areas of the hospital identified as containment locations.
• Defined procedures for management of patients with the illness.
• Team drills to simulate and prepare for a large volume of patients.
• Expert Infectious Disease physicians on staff.
• Close communication and coordination with state and local health officials and emergency management.
• Additional space with an inflatable hospital in the event of an unexpected high volume of patients with the virus.

Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup

The Workgroup communicates daily to discuss information relating to the Coronavirus. It is the goal of the Workgroup to provide information to the public each afternoon via Facebook Twitter, and Instagram. The information posted daily will serve as direct communication to both the media and to the public.

Members of the Workgroup include:

• Barren River District Health Department
• Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
• Bowling Green Independent School District
• Graves Gilbert Clinic
• Med Center Health
• Rebecca Shadowen, MD
• Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital
• Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
• Southern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital
• The City of Bowling Green
• TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
• Warren County Emergency Management
• Warren County Government
• Warren County Public Schools
• Western Kentucky University

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• Kentucky Department of Health/Cabinet for Health and Family Services
• Barren River District Health Department
• Barren River District Health Department COVID-19 Hotline – 270-781-8039.
• Office of Governor Andy Beshear COVID-19 Updates
• Patient Education Institute – free educational information about COVID-19 in multiple languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read answers to your questions on the Coronavirus Workgroup Frequently Asked Questions page.

Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725

The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as they are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review this web page or the kycovid19.ky.gov website prior to calling the hotline.

Visitation Restrictions

Visitation restrictions are in effect at all Med Center Health Hospitals and Cal Turner Rehab & Specialty Care.

Follow us on social media for Updates on COVID-19

Connie Smith, Med Center Health President and CEO, on Twitter

Med Center Health Twitter

Med Center Health Facebook

Learn more about COVID-19 in Local news

Cal Turner Rehab & Specialty Care in Scottsville Sees Increase in COVID-19 Positive Cases

Hospitalized Physician at Forefront of COVID-19 Battle Returns to Bowling Green

Continue to Follow Guidelines will avoid ‘Re-Peak’ Possibility (WBKO)

Is There a Possibility of Re-Peaking for COVID 19? (WBKO)

Are Emergency Rooms Safe: Extended Dr. Moss Conversation (WKU PBS)

COVID-19: Moving Forward Interview with Dr. Shadowen (WKU PBS)

COVID-19 Under the Microscope Interview with Dr. Shadowen (WKU PBS)

Orthopedic Plus Physical Therapy taking highest measures to ensure patient and staff safety (WBKO)

Med Center Health: Emergency Department is safe during coronavirus pandemic (WBKO)

Kentucky to Extend Bowling Green’s COVID-19 Testing (WBKO, April 27)

COVID-19 tests increase over the week significantly at Med Center Health (WBKO, March 19)

Local hospital continually refining coronavirus plans (WNKY)

First confirmed COVID-19 case at The Medical Center at Bowling Green

Med Center Health advances safety precautions in birthing center amid outbreak (WBKO March 18)

Medical Center at Bowling Green Preparedness Update (WKNY, March 18)

13 News Coronavirus Concerns Special (March 15, 2020)

WKYU-FM Interview with Infectious Disease Specialist Rebecca Shadowen, MD

March 10, 2020 Med Center Health COVID-19 Update news release

Med Center EMS prepared for coronavirus response (WBKO)

Daily News interview with Infectious Disease Specialist Rebecca Shadowen, MD

WBKO interview with Dr. Shadowen

Hospital expands screening (Daily News, March 7)