Skip to Content

Published on March 12, 2020

Tidelands Health takes steps to curtail foot traffic in its hospitals to help prevent spread of coronavirus

Tidelands Health is taking steps to curtail foot traffic in its hospitals to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.

coronavirus information centerAs part of its comprehensive strategy, the health system has implemented visitor restrictions and encourages community members to avoid coming to the hospital for non-medical reasons such as eating in the cafeteria or browsing in the gift shop.

On Thursday, the health system limited the number of entrances into Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and implemented new visitor restrictions. Tidelands Health is limiting the number of visitors at its hospitals to one adult per patient, accompanied by no more than one child ages 12-17. Children under 12 will not be allowed to visit.

The health system also encourages churches and faith-based organizations to evaluate patient visitation in line with the new visitor restrictions.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we take these proactive steps to protect the health and wellness of our patients, community and team members,” said Chris Rees, vice president of safety, service excellence and physician services for Tidelands Health.

No cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Horry or Georgetown counties.

Tidelands Health has implemented a comprehensive coronavirus care protocol for the system’s more than 60 locations, and leaders from the organization’s medical staff, nursing and administrative team meet daily to promote system readiness.

As always, the health system encourages residents to take preventive steps such as frequently washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching their face and staying home if sick.

Community members can find additional tips, videos and resources in the coronavirus information center at tidelandshealth.org.

____________________________________

Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.