Health & Fitness

Coronavirus Manchester: Hospital System Now Closed To Visitors

The Elliot Health System is closed to visitors until further notice in an effort to slow the potential spread of COVID-19.

To stem a potential outbreak of the new coronavirus, the Elliot Health System in Manchester is closed to visitors until further notice.
To stem a potential outbreak of the new coronavirus, the Elliot Health System in Manchester is closed to visitors until further notice. (Elliot Health System)

MANCHESTER, NH — Following in the footsteps of its sister institution, one of Manchester's largest medical facilities is closed to visitors until further notice due to the new coronavirus. The Elliot Health System, which includes a nearly 300-bed acute care facility, trauma unit, pediatrics center, and urgent care facilities, made the announcement Monday. The company said it made the decision after coordinating its system-wide preparation team to respond to the COVID-19.

That team includes many different doctors and health care professionals, including some with infectious disease experience.

"Out of an abundance of caution for our patients and staff, all visitors are prohibited from entering Elliot Hospital with limited exceptions," the company stated online. "Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our community safe."

Find out what's happening in Bedfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, a Nashua facility, also announced the patient visitor closure Monday.

On Saturday, according to Patch news partner Jeffrey Hastings, the hospital set up a drive-thru coronavirus testing tent

Find out what's happening in Bedfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


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The Elliot Hospital was established in 1890 as a 25-bed facility. It was built 10 years after Mary Elliot bequeathed funds to purchase the land where the hospital is currently, in honor of her husband, Dr. John Elliot.

Elliot Health Systems has a COVID-19 Update site with more information, located here.

What You Can Do

COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms. Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

  • Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing).
  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

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