Important Information about COVID-19

Vaccinations
Donations
Patient Visitor Policy
Closures and Cancellations
Updated Hours
Preventative Measures and FAQ
Resources
Plasma Donations

Updated March 22, 2022

The health of our patients, visitors, employees and physicians is our highest priority. Our hospital is following the latest CDC and public agency guidelines and are prepared to identify, isolate and treat COVID-19 patients who seek care at our facility. We’re also making sure it’s safe to get the routine care you need because it’s important that you never place your own health at risk by putting off your own care. It’s critical that you continue to see your doctor, keep your appointments and go to the ER if you need immediate attention. Learn how we are making it safe to get routine care.

If you have respiratory symptoms, call your primary care provider. If you do not have one, ECHN’s Medical Group physicians are accepting new patients.

Remain up-to-date on COVID symptoms.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

For information on where to find a vaccine clinic near you, please visit vaccines.gov or call the Vernon Regional Call Center at 860.896.4568

COVID-19 Testing Services

ECHN Urgent Care Testing: 860.533.4686
2800 Tamarack Avenue, Suite 105, South Windsor
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rapid COVID Testing available.
NOTE: No physician’s order is required to receive test. Symptomatic patients will receive a full evaluation and testing, if indicated. Swabbing is available for asymptomatic patients with no facility fee charge.

Patient Visitor Policy (updated March 22, 2022)

The health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our top priority and we value the healing quality of patient visitation. We continue to monitor the case rate in the community and adjust our policy accordingly.

Please see information below to support both safety precautions and visitor allowances.

General Information

Two visitors per patient, 18 years of age or older
Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily

All visitors must:

Pass COVID screening upon entry*,
Arrive and continue to wear a face mask/covering while in our facility including while in the patient’s room

*At the hospital main entrances, visitor passes will be given to individuals to wear to denote they have cleared the screening process, and this sticker should always be worn while in the hospital.

Inpatient Units with Full/Partial Restrictions

Family Birthing Center: One designated Support Person and One designated Visitor from time of arrival for birth through the transition back home. Siblings will be allowed to visit during regular visiting hours. These children should be accompanied by one of the two approved adult visitors. No additional adult visitors are currently permitted. Child-sized masks will be available at the nurses’ station.
Behavioral Health: Visitation by appointment

Emergency Department, Ambulatory & Outpatient Services: One visitor allowed, based on accommodations

Note: Visitor exceptions will be allowed at the discretion of Clinical Management which can include patients who are on comfort measures/end-of-life care.

Visiting guidelines subject to change based on COVID-19 prevalence in our community.

Thank you for your cooperation!

NOTE: Per Connecticut’s Department of Public Health rule dated June 15, 2019 (Sections 19-13-D3 (Short-term hospitals, general and special), visitors are allowed for patients who need assistance due to the specifics of their disability and may have one designated support person with them to support their disability-related needs. If hospitalized for more than one day, two support people may be permitted, provided only one support person be present at a time. Any such support person must be asymptomatic for, or not have previously been confirmed positive for, COVID-19. For more information, please visit the State’s website to view the full order. 3/21/2022

Closures, Cancellations and Changes in Facility Operations

Urgent Care Center

Our Urgent Care Center in South Windsor is open to treat patients with non-emergent illnesses and injuries.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Patients with respiratory or flu-like symptoms:
For everyone’s safety, patients experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms are asked to park in a designated parking spot upon arrival and call 860.533.4686 to be registered by our medical staff prior to entering the building.

Rehabilitation

Open Outpatient Rehabilitation facilities:
Patients will be screened for priority needs.
• Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester 860.646.1222
• Rockville General Hospital, 31 Union Street, Vernon: 860.872.5261
• Evergreen Walk, 2800 Tamarack Avenue, Suite 101, South Windsor: 860.533.4670
• Ellington YMCA, 11 Pinney Street, Ellington: 860.871.1078

All Inpatient Rehabilitation at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General Hospitals is continuing as necessary.

Behavioral Health Open Access Program

Adult Outpatient Services
Adult OP services and Open Access services at 150 North Main St in Manchester have returned to normal operations. Services are available “in person” or through telehealth/telephonic services. Masks are required when in our offices. We continue to accept new patients and offer programs through our HIPAA compliant platform.

Child & Adolescent OP services
We are able to offer both “in person” and telehealth outpatient services for children and adolescents at 71 Haynes St. in Manchester. Our treatment programs have returned to “in person”. Regular Outpatient services are available “in person” and by telehealth, when requested. Child & Adolescent Open Access services are currently suspended. Please call the office for an appointment.

For more information, and to schedule an appointment, please call:

Adult Services: 860.533.3434
Child and Adolescent Services: 860.647.6827

Women’s Center for Wellness

All screening mammograms, bone density exams, diagnostic and emergent mammograms, ultrasound and breast biopsy procedures are still being conducted. Please call 860.533.4646 for more information.

Community Education Classes and Events

Community Education classes are currently being held virtually and in person. For a full listing of our Winter classes, click here.

Blood Draw Location Hours

View our locations and current hours.

Preventative measures for Flu and COVID-19

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of coronavirus?

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community:

- - - If you have a positive COVID test, please let your healthcare provider know. Your physician will be able to help with treatment options.
    - Stay home if you are experiencing mild symptoms. You should restrict activities outside of your home, except for getting medical care.
    - If available, wear a face mask when you are around other people to help prevent the spread of the virus.

When should I seek medical care?

If you are experiencing a severe medical emergency, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or altered mental status, please call 911 and request an ambulance. If you’re experiencing mild or moderate symptoms, call the doctor’s office or urgent care first so the staff can provide you more information and/or be ready to isolate you upon arrival. You also can call the city’s department of health for further instructions at 860.647.3173.

Where can I get more information?

To learn more the coronavirus, visit the CDC, World Health Organization and CT Department of Public Health.

What are coronaviruses?

Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. They are a respiratory virus named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. We are currently aware of seven different types of human coronaviruses, four of which are associated with mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Other types of the virus include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, (MERS) and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), which is responsible for the latest outbreak. Although COVID-19 is similar to the other types of coronaviruses, it is unique in many ways and we are still learning more each day.

How do you get infected with COVID-19?

COVID-19 is spread by close person-to-person contact from droplets from a cough or sneeze, which can get into your mouth, nose, or lungs. Close contact is defined as being within approximately 6 feet of another person.

How do I know if I have COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you were recently exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or have been in a place where an outbreak has occurred within the last two weeks the following symptoms could indicate you have contracted COVID-19:

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of the following symptoms:

Fever
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

If you have any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

These lists are not all inclusive and we advise you to please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

What can I do to prevent getting sick from COVID-19?

The following tips will help to prevent COVID-19 as well as other respiratory viruses:

- - Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine recommendations, and ask your physician or a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
  - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  - Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
  - Avoid close contact with people who are showing symptoms of illness.
  - Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  - Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow.
  - Throw the tissue in the garbage and make sure to clean your hands afterwards.
  - Stay home when you are sick.

Source: The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)