Coronavirus: Lowell General Imposes Visitor Limitations

LOWELL, MA — Lowell General Hospital has implemented visitor restrictions in response to the new coronavirus. Visitors are limited to two per patient and must be 18 or older, the hospital announced Thursday afternoon. In general, members of the community are encouraged to avoid the hospital and its outpatient centers unless they have an appointment or urgent need.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases. The strain that emerged in China in late 2019, now called COVID-19, is related to others that have caused serious outbreaks in recent years, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

The announcement continues: "We also strongly recommend that the following individuals do not visit the hospital unless the visit is essential:

· Individuals who have returned from travel to any country identified as having widespread local transmission of COVID-19.

· Individuals with upper respiratory tract symptoms, including fever and/or cough."

In addition, patients showing coronavirus symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, are encouraged to call their doctor before coming to a hospital, doctor's office or urgent care center.

"Your primary care provider can often evaluate your symptoms over the phone and suggest a care plan," the hospital said.

In particular, the announcement continued, "If you have fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath, and have either traveled internationally in the past 14 days or had close contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-10, please call your healthcare provider."

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The disease, which apparently originated in animals, is now transferring from person to person, although the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Its symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, and many patients develop pneumonia. There is as yet no vaccine against COVID-19 it and no antiviral treatment.

According to the CDC, the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

To avoid spreading any respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.