East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY–Garfield County Hospital District would like to update everyone regarding the latest COVID-19 numbers, vaccines, and testing. To date, we given 1,806 COVID-19 Vaccines to the community and people outside our county. This includes first, second and third doses. The third dose is currently being given to individuals that are immunocompromised and over 65 years of age for Pfizer and Moderna. The Pfizer booster shot has been approved by the FDA and is available to age groups from 55–65 and older. It is recommended to stick with the same brand of vaccine for all three doses. You can visit our website for more information on boosters.

We will continue to hold weekly Vaccine Clinics every Friday from 8 am – 5 pm until Friday, December 17, 2021, located at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in the Dick Brown Building. We have scheduled two evening Vaccine Clinics on Thursday, October 14 from 6–8 p.m. and Thursday, December 9 from 6–8 p.m. Please see the COVID-19 and Flu Clinic ad in this week's edition of the EW.

To schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 Vaccine, please call Garfield County Health District at 509-843-3412 between 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The Flu Vaccines are available in the high dose for the immunocompromised and 65 years and older, and the regular dose for 18 years and older on a walk-in basis and can be given in conjunction with the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Last month we reported on both our local COVID-19 response as well as the status of hospitals statewide and the impact that is having. We have had multiple patients hospitalized over the last several weeks due to COVID-19 and the positive cases continue to be present in the community.

We are taking steps to try and prevent COVID-19 and had been offering outpatient Regeneron treatments but due to limited supply, we are only offering it through the Emergency Department to patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infections. Testing hours for COVID-19 are Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday testing is only done through the Emergency Room.

Currently we are in Phase II and allowing one visitor per patient at a time. We will require visitors to screen at the receptionist desk before entering the hospital, wear masks and practice social distancing. Our patients will also be required to wear a mask during visitations. This has been challenging but is required by the DOH and necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and another outbreak from occurring.

Visitors may spend time in the patient's room. If you would like to take your loved one out of the facility for a visit, please call and we will work with you on an individual basis to make this happen while keeping them safe. We highly encourage you not to go to overly crowded events or areas, to wear a mask if within 6 feet of people for longer than 15 minutes, and to follow a good handwashing regimen.

Our goal is to keep our patients and staff safe and continue to move forward into a normal atmosphere while maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Thank you for your continued support and your patience. As always, stay healthy and safe!