In other recent news, Bath (N.Y.) VA Medical Center will
temporarily close the Coudersport clinic effective April 6. “Most of what we
are doing during the pandemic is video-on-demand and telephone,” the VA said.
“Those who need labs or face-to-face visits during this time will need to go to
the clinic in Wellsboro. We are conducting screening prior to anyone entering
the clinics and are not allowing anyone other than the veteran unless there is
a specific need for a caregiver.
From Potter County Emergency Management Coordinator Glenn Dunn:
“Our office has clarified the situation involving first-responders who are
bringing patients, suspects, or picking up transfers at UPMC Cole and other
UPMC facilities. Responders and anyone they are transporting will be treated as
visitors. Prior to arrival, they will be asked a series of questions over the
med radio to determine if those being brought to UPMC facilities meet a
COVID-19 protocol. Once at the facility, anyone entering shall have an N-95
mask or equivalent. N-100 also meet the CDC/DOH equivalent guidelines. The mask
requirements apply to all entering the facility, including patients. UPMC asks
that only essential personnel enter the facility. Law enforcement should be prepared to do so
as well, along with anyone being transported for testing, etc. For EMS
transfers from a UPMC facility to a different location, any crew members
entering their facilities will need to be masked up. As we deal with any
patient, gloves should already be on. Please limit patient contact to as few as
necessary, both on scene and at the Emergency Department, for the protection of
each other, our patients, and the public we serve.”
Enforcement of the state’s ban on the operation of “non-life
sustaining” businesses continues by the Pa. Liquor Control Board, Pa. Dept. of
Health, Pa. Dept. of Agriculture, Pa. State Police, and local officials. UPMC
Cole in Coudersport has tightened its building-entry restrictions and is
providing updates on its website. Additional information is HERE.
