March 12, 2020
Dear Community Members,
I am writing to share some important information about the COVID-19, which is also known as a coronavirus. To date, there have been more than 125,000 confirmed case worldwide, including 987 here in the United States with 38 confirmed deaths, as of March 11, 2020. As of March 12, 2020, there have been 11 confirmed cases here in Virginia, and seven in Tennessee, including one in Sullivan County.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems have plans in place to ensure that our community health centers are prepared to battle this public health challenge.
I want to assure you that Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems are working closely the Virginia Department of Health, along with receiving up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as we closely monitor and work to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems’ Management Teams are working closely with all employees to keep everyone informed about plans and to make any updates to plans as needed.
Some preventative actions, as recommended by the CDC include:
- -Avoid close contact with sick people.
- -Stay home if you are sick.
- -Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- -Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
I understand that this may be a very confusing and fearful time for many within our community, but we pledge to put the health and safety of our patients and community first by assuring you that we are continually monitoring the coronavirus.
Respectfully yours,
Bryan Haynes, Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems