Face Mask Policy Changes @ SMC Effective March 30, 2023
Great News! SMC -- along with many area health systems -- is relaxing face mask requirements for the hospital and clinic areas of the SMC campus. If you have COVID-19 or respiratory symptoms, we ask that you continue masking in these areas. Patients may be required to mask under certain circumstances.
Due to federal regulations, however, masking for all visitors and staff is still required in the long-term care center as long as Saunders County’s COVID-19 transmission rate remains at the “high” level. Residents may be required to mask under certain circumstances.
COVID-19 isn’t in our rearview mirror, and will probably remain with us for the foreseeable future. Thankfully, we know more about it now and have vaccines that are effective at preventing serious disease and death, and medication that helps prevent disease progression.
We would like to thank our patients, LTC residents, families and friends of our community for your support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NOTE: If circumstances change, we may need to reinstate the previous masking requirements.
Questions? Call (402) 443-4191
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Pandemic News for Saunders County & Beyond
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We are working closely with the Three Rivers Health Department and continue to receive regular updates from the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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At this time, continue to: 1) practice good hand hygiene (wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer); 2) cough/sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue; and 3) avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
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People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Click for details from the CDC.
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What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms?
If it is an emergency, dial 911.
If you are experiencing fever, cough, minor respiratory symptoms (such as shortness of breath— which could be a major issue), or have had exposure to COVID-19, it is best to stay home and contact your primary care provider to avoid exposing others. The best treatment for minor symptoms is rest and supportive care (acetaminophen, ibuprofen and other over the counter medications).
For more severe symptoms, we encourage you to call prior to coming in order to help determine the best treatment of care.
Please call Saunders Medical Center Family Clinic (402-443-4191) during clinic hours. After hours, please call the SMC Nurse Care Line (402-443-1448). https://saundersmedicalcenter.com/about-us/contact-us-today.html -
Saunders Medical Center's
Skilled and Long Term CareNursing Home Information
Nursing Home Information
At this time, we request that family and friends do not visit Saunders Medical Center Skilled and Long Term Care. Out of caution, we are limiting all visitors to our facility unless absolutely necessary. We are posting signs at our entryway doors to notify visitors of this policy and actively screening individuals, including staff, who need to come into the building.We understand that connecting with your loved ones is incredibly important, and there are a variety of other ways you might consider communicating with them. These may include telephone, email, text, video chat or social media. If you believe a visit to SMC Skilled and Long Term Care is necessary, we request that you contact Sam Prokopec at 402-443-4685 prior to your arrival. We appreciate your support and understanding on this matter. Be Well.
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Sources for the Most Current Information
For the most updated information, please see:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
Three Rivers Public Health Department https://threeriverspublichealth.org
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