Although there have been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Franklin County, Mississippi, the Franklin County Memorial Hospital continues its planned response efforts relative to the Covid-19.  The response efforts focus on safety and the well-being of our patients, staff, and community.  Based upon the Presidential and Gubernatorial Emergency Declarations and out of an abundance of caution, the Franklin County Memorial Hospital is implementing enhanced safety procedures at all our facilities. These proactive measures are in the best interest of our patients, staff, and community.

I.            Entry points at all our facilities are temporarily limited.  Limiting entry points to our facilities ensures that hospital and clinic staff can monitor access to better protect the safety and well-being of everyone during this time of heightened focus on wellness.  This limitation does not mean limited access to the hospital or our clinics.  The Franklin County Memorial Hospital remains ready to serve potential and current patients.  The following changes will be implemented:

               A.            The primary entrance to the Franklin County Memorial Hospital will be through the Emergency Room doors.  The entrance at the front lobby is closed.

               B.            There will be no visitation for patients at this time.

               C.            The cafeteria is closed to the public.

II.           Healthy patients that have a scheduled check-up or wellness visit planned atone of our clinics are encouraged to re-schedule the appointment until a later date. 

III.          Clinic patients who need a medication refill, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss refills and accommodations that can be made. 

IV.          Clinic patients with ongoing medical problems that have scheduled appointments, please contact your provider to discuss keeping your appointment.

V.           Prior to visiting the hospital or a clinic, utilize proper hand hygiene including hand sanitizer with approved alcohol-based solution.  Please monitor your own health and limit your exposure to high risk areas.

VI.          In the event you contract the Covid-19 virus, most people will have a mild illness and can get better with appropriate home care and without the need to see a provider.  The elderly, those who are pregnant, or those individuals who have a weak immune system, or other medical problems are at higher risk of a more serious illness or complications.  Higher risk patients should closely and carefully monitor their symptoms and seek medical care early if their symptoms worsen. 

VII.         Steps that you can take at home to help you get better:

               A.            Rest

               B.            Drink plenty of fluids

               C.            Takeover-the-counter cold and flu medications to reduce fever and pain. Follow the instructions on the package, unless your doctor gave you instructions. Over-the-counter medicines do not “cure” the illness and therefore do not stop you from spreading germs.

               D.            Children should not be given medication that contains aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)because it can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. Medicines without aspirin include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil,Motrin).  Children younger than two should not be given any over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a doctor.

VIII.        If you have symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, which are dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath, please isolate from others and contact your healthcare provider by telephone for further instruction.

               IF YOU ARE EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF THE COVID-19, DO NOT COME TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR EITHER OF THE CLINICS WITHOUT CALLING. 

For further information and updates please visit the Franklin County Memorial Hospital Facebook page or our website at www.fcmh.net.

               The safest place for you, unless you require hospitalization, is home.  If you are very ill, the Franklin County Memorial Hospital is open, ready and prepared to take care of you.

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