Community Hospital asks volunteers to sew masks

McCOOK, Neb. -- Due to the low supplies, Community Hospital is seeking people to sew masks which will be used for non-clinical staff as well as outpatients who do not have a mask. A mask pattern can be found on the CDC website here.

People making masks are asked to follow the flat rectangle mask pattern mentioned in the link above. Because Community Hospital is a latex-free facility, please donate masks that use latex alternatives or ties if at all possible. Call Tricia Wagner at 308-344-8550 or Candy Crosby at 308-344-8340 for questions. Masks can be dropped off at Community Hospital by simply parking in the front parking lot and calling 308-344-2650. Someone will come out and pick them up.

CDC recently issued new guidance on using cloth face coverings/masks in community settings to prevent COVID-19 transmission, citing recent studies showing some people may spread the virus before or without showing symptoms. The agency emphasized the recommended coverings "are not surgical masks or N95 respirators,” but instead are homemade cloth, non-medical masks. The medical masks are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Community Hospital has also issued the following notes regarding the COVID-19 pandemic:

Incident Command

UPDATED Community Hospital meets as an incident command planning team twice a week with multiple sub teams also meeting numerous times throughout the week. Selected Community Hospital Incident Command Officers also meet weekly with city and county Incident Officers in a Joint Incident Command (JIC).

Non-Medical Reusable Masks

UPDATED Community Hospital is asking outpatients who have appointments at the hospital to bring their own cloth mask if possible. Cloth masks are available at the hospital entrances as long as supplies last, but supplies are very low. Last week more than 500 outpatients were screened at Community Hospital entrances.

Hand Sanitizer

NEW The Pharmacy department has sourced materials in preparation to make hand sanitizer if needed. Community Hospital is and will proactively continue to plan for limited supplies.

Cancellations/Postponements

NEW Cancelled: Car Seat Event May 13. The next event is July 8 at the McCook Fire Station.

Postponed: Community Hospital Pro-Am at Heritage Hills, scheduled for June, has been postponed until August 21 - 23.

Important Public Messages

· Call before coming to any medical facility to seek treatment if you are exhibiting these symptoms: A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, shortness of breath, or a cough.

· Go to the CDC website for accurate information: www.cdc.gov

· If you are sick – stay home!

· If you have questions about COVID-19 and your health, call Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department at 308-345-4223, DHHS COVID-19 Information Line 402-552-6645, or go to www.cdc.gov.