Hospital tightens current restrictions due to rise in cases

Ballard encourages all to get vaccinated

The Medical Executive Committee of Forrest City Medical Center met recently to decide what, if any, restrictions should be put in place as Covid19 cases, specifically the Delta variant, rise in the area.

“We have never removed our mask requirement or visitor restrictions,” said Angela Vondran, RN, Compliance Officer. “We did relax our enforcement of those rules in public spaces such as our lobby and cafeteria as we saw cases begin to decrease earlier this year, but we have decided it is time to reinforce those protocols and take the opportunity to remind the community what they are.”

For all hospital departments and visitors, masks must be worn at all times. The only exception to this rule is non-clinical employees working in an area where they are able to social distance.

“For our employees who do not work directly in patient care, they will be able to take their masks off when they are in their individual workspaces, provided they are able to maintain six feet of separation between themselves and others. That will be the only time masks will not be required to be worn,” explained Vondran.

While the cafeteria and inservice classroom will remain open to the public, sign-in is required by each person entering the facility. Door screeners will be in place to assist with sign in and provide masks for those who do not have one. One visitor will be allowed per non-Covid patient and visitors must wear masks and social distance, as well as remain in designated waiting areas as directed by hospital staff.

Dr. John Ballard, CEO of FCMC, explained restrictions can be minimal at this time, however it is vital all staff and visitors to the hospital follow the guidelines set forth.

(Continued from Page 1) “At this time, there is a portion of our population already vaccinated against Covid-19. Because of that, we are not entirely retracing our steps and going back into the complete quarantine we experienced in 2020; however, we are taking this new rise in cases very seriously and will continuously monitor the situation both locally and statewide,” said Ballard.

“The health and safety of our patients and our staff are our primary concerns, and while we love seeing the public in our halls and in our cafeteria again, we will make decisions based on best practices to limit this latest spread of the virus,” he added.

Ballard urges those in the community who are not vaccinated to reconsider vaccination against the virus in order to protect themselves and others.

“A global pandemic is not a situation in which to take sides. It is a humanitarian crisis; one in which the health of your neighbors, your friends and your family could be at stake,” he said. “We desperately urge you to get the vaccine. Vaccines are not new to medicine and mRNA vaccines are not new to vaccine research. If you have questions or concerns, talk to a qualified medical professional. Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss the best options for you when protecting yourself from Covid19.

If you have a medical condition or allergy that prevents you from being vaccinated, please wear a mask habitually and stay home as often as possible.

“We made an impact with the first rounds of vaccines, and we can do it again,” continued Ballard. “The time for waiting and watching has passed. We know now what this vaccine can do. It is time to stand in line and protect not only ourselves but our communities. Don’t get vaccinated for yourself; do so for those you love.”