Important Information about COVID-19

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

Updated January 4, 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. – 4 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 December 30, 2021)

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for the safety of our patients and staff, no visitation is allowed to our hospitals and outpatient facilities, effective Friday, December 31, 2021. This includes visitation to inpatients, emergency departments, outpatient services, outpatient surgeries and procedural areas.

We encourage visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime and/or phone.

Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the patient’s clinical team, for end of life exceptions, or for the specific exceptions noted below.
Our first priority is to protect the health of our patients, visitors, and staff.

Any patient who needs a support person, per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, are allowed two assigned support people. These two support people cannot be at the bedside at the same time.

Inpatient Units with Partial Restrictions:
Family Birthing Center: One visitor from time of arrival for birth thru the transition back home
NICU: Only those with assigned wrist bands are permitted (2 bands per NICU patient)
Behavioral Health: Visitation requires approval

Outpatient Services, including the Emergency Department and Ambulatory Surgery:
If one of the following exceptions is present, one (1) caregiver, healthy and over the age of 18, will be allowed to accompany the patient during their outpatient or emergency department visit:

To accompany a patient who is a minor
Where a patient is otherwise unable to communicate, or make decisions, or ambulate on their own
For Obstetrical Ultrasound procedures
Any patient that will receive sedation or other procedures that would affect the patient’s cognitive ability

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.

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. – 4:00 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. Space concerns are the primary reason as we are following social distancing guidelines. 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. We offer hybrid programming as well as full telehealth programming. Regular Outpatient services are available “in person” and by telehealth. Child & Adolescent Open Access services are closed.

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. For a full listing of our Summer 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:

- - - Stay home if you are experiencing mild symptoms. You should restrict activities outside of your home, except for getting medical care.
    - Contact your healthcare provider if your illness is worsening (i.e., difficulty breathing). Reach out to your healthcare provider by calling ahead. Tell your provider that you have or may have coronavirus-like symptoms so the staff can take steps to keep other patients from getting infected.
    - 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.

How severe is this illness?

The World Health Organization says 80% of people with COVID-19 have a mild form of the illness with cold- or flulike symptoms. The people most likely to get seriously ill from this virus are people over 60 and/or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is estimated that for every 100 cases of COVID-19, between two and four people would die. This is very different from a coronavirus like SARS, where nearly ten in 100 sick people died from the illness.

Do I still need to wear a mask?

In efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, residents who are not fully vaccinated are asked to wear a mask in public when unable to maintain a social distance of at least six feet from other people.

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:

- - Get your COVID vaccine, 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)