Return to all Alert Messages

4/21/2020

• In compliance with CDC guidelines, Baptist Health Care now requires that all patients, guests and vendors bring and wear a mask or other face covering while on any of our campuses to support our organization’s diligent efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure we have enough masks and personal protective equipment required to last until the threat of COVID-19 has passed. Screening continues to be conducted at entrances to Baptist facilities. Patients who are identified as having symptoms or a risk factor will be given a mask at the door if they do not already have one. In addition, patients should avoid bringing a guest to appointments if possible. If it is necessary for someone to be with the patient, the guest should bring and wear a mask; any guests with COVID-19 symptoms or a risk factor will be asked to wait outside the building. All team members are required to wear masks at work.
• The Baptist Health Care media team has developed special instructions for reporting from Baptist Health Care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reporters, editors and producers are encouraged to visit https://ebaptisthealthcare.org/news-media to become familiar with the adjustments that have been made to the procedure for making inquiries and interview requests.
• STORY IDEA: COVID-19 is grabbing all the headlines, but heart attacks, strokes, car crashes and other traumas still require a trip to the emergency room. Unfortunately, some people are delaying necessary emergency care out of fear they will be exposed to COVID-19, which can result in a life-threatening situation. A story that allays those fears would be valuable for local residents. Baptist Health Care takes all necessary precautions to protect patients in its ERs at Baptist, Gulf Breeze and Jay hospitals with screening immediately upon arrival, special isolation areas, required masking for all patients and team members, social distancing in waiting areas and other CDC-recommended measures. We also now offer telehealth services for urgent care, primary care and certain specialties for those who prefer a virtual visit in the comfort of their own homes.