We have implemented multiple measures in our Phase III plan that we believe are in the best interest of our patients and our community to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Steps we are taking include:

PERSONS UNDER INVESTIGATION

For individuals who are ill but do not qualify for State testing, we will notify patients to quarantine for a specific amount of time, and our staff will monitor their condition daily to make certain that their conditions are stable.

NURSING HOME

Due to the high mortality rate of COVID-19 for the elderly, we are taking drastic measures to protect our residents.  Visitor access to our Nursing Home is suspended.  Nursing Home staff continues to work with families to provide contact methods with their loved ones through alternative measures.  Nursing Home employees are being screened for symptoms and housekeeping staff are being assigned as temporary Nursing Home employees.  All Nursing Home employees are prohibited from entering the hospital side campus.  Any other employee needing to provide necessary care to a resident is required to suit up into clean gear before passing the threshold, including physicians.  Residents will be provided separate, personalized tray service prepared in a sterile environment.

HOSPITAL & EMERGENCY ROOM

We have dedicated a wing for COVID-19 patients that will be accessible only by authorized personnel.  We have made certain that it is separated by distance from the rest of patient care and separated by sterile protective measures.  Dedicated staff and equipment will be providing care to these patients in order to prevent contamination between units.

We have expanded designated clean areas for staff, and waiting areas will no longer be available for the general public.

Sick patients are directed to enter through the Emergency Room Entrance Only (off 1st Street).

Well patients needing routine lab draws and x-rays will be moved to an off-site location (Bone & Joint Clinic located at 1515 E 1st St, Suite 200) for their protection.  Well patients needing a CT Scan or MRI Scan will be registered via phone and directed to enter the hospital imaging department through a private, sterile entrance farthest away from the inpatient unit.

Interior access doors between units will be secured.

The Labor & Delivery Department and the Surgery Units will be secured and isolated.  Women in labor and surgical patients will be pre-registered by phone and brought into the building through a private, sterile entrance away from the inpatient unit.

We are suspending direct admissions and swing bed admissions for the time being for public safety.

The No Visitor Policy remains in effect with LIMITED EXECPTIONS.  Those who are approved as exceptions may only accompany a patient into the hospital with physician approval.

All patients, approved visitors, and staff that enter the facility will be screened for disease risk factors.

We are taking precautions to reserve our staff.  We will be moving certain staff and departments off site including Human Resources.  We will be enacting emergency credentialing protocols.  We will be practicing staff team rotations.

High level infection control measures are now in effect.

We ask that you not enter the hospital or emergency room unless you are seeking care.

A drop box will be available outside the main entrance for patient payment drop offs.

Prior infection control procedures above the norm such as limiting meetings of large people to conference phone, performing job interviews by phone or video, suspending volunteer services, suspending salad bar services, maintaining supplies, and other administrative tasks will remain in place.

OUTPATIENT SERVICES

Outpatient services such as lab draws and mammograms will only be performed between the hours of 8am and 5pm for screening purposes and Well patients should enter only through the main entrance.

Well patient routine lab services will be moved off-site to an ancillary clean space at the Bone & Joint Clinic located at 1515 E 1st St, Suite 200 to help prevent contamination.  Lab patients will be screened before procedures are performed.

Well patient CT & MRI exams will be registered by phone and patients will enter through a private, sterile entrance away from the inpatient unit.

Outpatient Therapy will screen patients upon arrival and before admission into therapy spaces.

BUSINESS OFFICES

The Patient Financial, Clinic Billing, and Accounting offices will only do business/take payments over the phone and internet.  No one other than staff will be allowed into the office.  Drop boxes will be available for cash payments or paperwork that needs to be left at the office.

PHYSICIAN CLINICS

Family Health Clinic

• Will only treat those who are sick or in acute pain.
• Patients will be screened at registration and will be asked to wait in their vehicles until the doctor is ready to bring them back
• Only one visitor will be allowed back into the room with the patient
• Scheduled patients (routine visits) are asked to postpone appointments by 15 days or to call to make a TeleHealth appointment
• Will open 7 days a week (Monday through Sunday) from 8am to 8pm in order to help the community access sick care.

Internal Medicine Clinic

• Patient call ins only with TeleHealth by appointment

Bone & Joint, Foot & Ankle, General Surgery, and the Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics

• Surgeries are suspended except in life-threatening cases
• Patients call ins only with TeleHeatlh by appointment

BONE & JOINT CLINIC

• Orthopedic services have been suspended
• The  Bone & Joint Clinic will serve as an outpatient lab draw center for routine well patients

If you feel that you have COVID-19 symptoms:

• CALL A CLINIC FIRST TO DETERMINE IF YOU SHOULD SEEK CARE.
• ONLY GO TO THE ER IF YOU HAVE SEVERE/ LIFE THREATENING SYMPTOMS.
• ONLY SEVERE CASES OF SYMTOMS ARE BEING TESTED AND KITS ARE RUNNING LOW.

If you only have mild symptoms and can treat at home, please stay home.  Call a clinic and they will  evaluate your risk factors to determine what needs to be done.

Please work with the Hospital and Local Physicians so we can prevent additional spread in our community.

Any additional changes to this information will be relayed to the public on this page and through the District’s Social Media pages.

THERE IS FIVE (5) CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 IN DUMAS / MOORE COUNTY.

ALL OTHER TESTS WE HAVE SUBMITTED TO DATE HAVE COME BACK NEGATIVE TO DATE.  WE DO HAVE PENDING TESTS.

The State of Texas has 3,997 DSHS confirmed cases as of April 1, 2020.   This is 731 additional cases than reported on March 31st.  There have been a total of  47,857 people tested for COVID-19 state-wide in Texas.  To date, there have been fifty-eight (58) fatalities in Texas.

These cases are now located sporadically around the state with South and Central Texas holding the majority of cases.

Counties include: Andrews, Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Burnett, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Cass, Castro, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Comal, Coryell, Crane, Dallas, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Denton, DeWitt, Donley, Eastland, Ector, El Paso, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fannin, Fayette, Fort Bend, Franklin, Gaines, Galveston, Grayson, Gregg, Grimes, Guadelupe, Hale, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Hidalgo, Hill, Hockley, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Johnson, Karnes, Kaufman, Kendal, Kleburg, Lamar, Lamb, Lavaca, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Llano, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennon, Medina, Midland, Milam, Montague, Moore, Montgomery, Morris, Nacadoches, Navarro, Nueces, Oldham, Orange, Parker, Polk, Potter, Randall, Rockwall, Robertson, Rusk, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Smith, Starr, Swisher, Tarrant, Taylor, Terry, Tom Greene, Travis, Upshur, Uvalde, Val Verde, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller,  Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Wilson, Wise,  Witchita, Williamson, Yoakum, and Young.

YES.  Absolutely.

The COVID-19 virus affects the respiratory system.  Treatment of pneumonia and respiratory distress is very common in our facility.  Our staff is trained and experienced and has the knowledge to care for these patients.

The District DOES have ventilator capability and we have been planning and procuring as much necessary supplies and equipment as we can in the instance of a large influx of inpatients to our facility.

If need be, our new patient care wing is close enough to completion that in a worse-case scenario, we could certainly house patients who need care within it.

We are thinking and planning about every possible eventuality and will do what ever is necessary at the time in order to take care of our patients and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You may be tested for COVID-19 in Dumas at a physician's office, but test kits are in VERY LOW SUPPLY at this time.  The hospital does not supply test kits.  We are coordinating with area physician's in regards to patients who come into the ER with severe and concerning symptoms.

Tests will only be ordered on the evaluation of risk factors and the severity of the symptoms.  Please understand that we are unable to test everyone presenting at this time.

Local labs do not have the capability to run the test, so the sample will be sent out to a third party lab.  Results may take up to 72 hours (there have been instances of longer times) depending on the lab backlog.

Texas has had a VERY high demand of testing (almost 9,000 people have been tested) but only a very small percentage of tests came back positive (ONLY a little over 300.)  As such, kits are not readily available, and the medical community has been forced to test only patients with the most concerning symptoms.

We hope this will change soon as we are constantly working to have more access for our community.  Please be patient with area doctors and clinics.

There are talks of tests being provided soon, but we do not have information to confirm or deny at this time.

Please keep in mind that we have a great group of area physicians (both employed by the District and in private practice) who are knowledgeable about COVID-19.  They can help to identify it, treat the symptoms, and know what to look for if a patient's condition becomes worse.

The Moore County medical community is working together to make sure we can care for our community.

Other than taking precautions to keep yourself, your family, and community safe and well, we have identified some things the District will need in certain phases of our COVID-19 action plans.

Due to national shortages of Personal Protection Equipment, we are asking our community for donations of scrubs in all sizes (that are washable), N95 masks, clear safety goggles, protective gowns, and forehead thermometers.  The scrubs may be any color, pattern or size.  The N95 masks can be those used in construction and industrial companies, not just those for healthcare.  The safety goggles can be shooting range goggles, home project goggles, or the like, as long as they are clear and wrap fully around the face.  Protective gowns can be found in hospitals, dentist offices, vet offices, dairies, etc. Forehead thermometers can be any brand or size.

In planning for ALL possible eventualities in the COVID-19 situation, even the most extreme worst-case scenarios, we have identified the possibility of needing additional workers to replace those who may become ill in the care process.  As such, we are doing a call-out for all clinical staff not currently working for the District (nurses, technicians, etc.) regardless if you are an active practitioner, student, or retired who would be interested in being on a reserve call list.  We are nowhere close to needing these services but, as we plan, we want to make certain that we have ALL scenarios covered.

If you have donations of scrubs, masks, goggles, gowns, or thermometers, or would like to be placed on the COVID-19 Reserves list, please contact Kathie Fuston at 806-934-7804.

***UPDATE - We currently are in dire need of protective gowns and safety goggles ***

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a type of coronavirus (which typically causes the common cold) that effects the respiratory system.  A virus is a tiny organism that enters the human body and multiplies by making copies of itself in the cells of its host.

COVID-19 spreads from person to person by means of droplets.  When someone coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus become airborne.  These droplets then either land on a surface or directly fall on or enter another person while airborne.  When the virus lands on a surface that is touched by someone, the virus clings to the new person and enters the body when the individual touches their face.

COVID-19 was first identified during an outbreak in Wuhan China in late 2019.  Since being identified, COVID-19 has been spread by normal means across borders to surrounding countries by individuals who were infected

Since COVID-19 is a virus that effects the respiratory system, the main symptoms are fever and respiratory-related ailments, such as a cough (usually dry or without producing mucus) and shortness of breath.

The majority (the World Health Organization estimates 80%) of those who get COVID-19 recover from the disease without any need of special treatment.  Most individuals will have mild symptoms.

Some patients have experienced more flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, a sore throat, or diarrhea.

About 1 in 6 people who contract COVID-19 will have severe symptoms with respiratory distress. The most extreme cases have resulted in double-lung pneumonia, multiple-organ failure, and in some instances, death.

EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS

Emergency warning signs are: difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or disorientation, the inability to arouse from sleep, and blueish lips or face.  If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, seek emergency help immediately.  This list of emergency symptoms is not all inclusive, so if you experience other symptoms that are severe or concerning, please contact a medical professional immediately.

Though unknown at this time, the CDC estimates that symptoms appear between 2-14 days after exposure.  This is based on what was previously observed during other outbreaks of coronaviruses, such as MERS.

Those most susceptible to have a severe episode are the elderly, those who have compromised immune systems, or those who have a chronic illness such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or the like.

There have been very low instances of children contracting the disease.

Since the COVID-19 virus enters the body through touch, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with plain soap and water.  Viruses are killed by soap and water because soap dissolves the delicate outside membrane of the virus, causing it to fall apart.  This is the most cost efficient way to kill this virus.

Hand sanitizers will also kill COVID-19 but must remain on the skin for a recommended amount of time.  Be sure to check to see how long it needs to be on your hands before it kills the virus.

Disinfect “high-touch” surfaces daily.  These include doorknobs, phones, light switches, toilet handles, counter tops, cabinet doors, etc. These are the places that are touched multiple times a day by multiple people.

Maintain a distance from others who are sneezing or coughing to prevent the droplets from entering through your nose or mouth.  The WHO recommends three feet.  You will hear this being referred to as "social distancing" in the media.

Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid traveling to places where COVID-19 is prevalent.

Avoid being in the company of those who contract COVID-19, regardless of how mild their symptoms are.

First of all: DON'T PANIC

Stay at home unless you need to seek medical care.

AT HOME:

• Try to isolate yourself from family members.
• Don’t share household items.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands.
• Continue to disinfect your home.
• If your symptoms are mild, treat them like you would a common cold with over the counter medications for symptoms, stay hydrated, and rest.  The majority of cases fall into this category.
• Be sure to monitor your symptoms and fever (if present) for any changes and if anything seems wrong, or if the changes are concerning, call your physician as soon as possible.  If symptoms start to become severe (see the "When should I go to the Emergency Room section) head to the Emergency Room.  If possible, call the ER to let them know you are on your way.

SEEKING MEDICAL CARE

If your symptoms start to become worse with shortness of breath, fever and cough; contact a local clinic first to let them know you need to be seen.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to call ahead first so the doctor’s office can prepare by taking infection prevention measures before your arrival.

When you leave the house, cover your face with a scarf or cloth to stop the droplets from spreading until your doctor’s office can provide you with a proper-fitting mask, if supplies are available.

Your doctor’s office will then guide you with next steps depending on your personal needs; the severity of your condition, your personal health risk factors, your family situation, etc.

It is possible that you may be placed on quarantine, or be asked to self-quarantine at home.

The signs specific to COVID-19 that indicate you are having an emergency and should go to the ER are:

• Difficulty Breathing (most common)
• Very High Fever (most common)
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion or disorientation
• The inability to arouse from sleep
• Blueish lips or face.

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency help immediately.

** Please note that this list of emergency symptoms is not all inclusive, so if you experience other symptoms that are severe or concerning, please contact a medical professional immediately or go to the emergency room.

The CDC (Center of Disease Control) is the nation's health protection agency.

The WHO (World Health Organization) is a global public health organization run by the United Nations.

The Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) is our local resource for health information, including current viral outbreaks.

These three organizations have extensive and comprehensive information about the COVID-19 virus that they update almost daily.  They provide information in easy to understand language in order to educate the public.  They are also the front line when it comes to diseases in the community.

CDC - WEBSITE

WHO - WEBSITE

DSHS - WEBSITE