On Wednesday, June 30, Gov. Kate Brown lifted all of Oregon’s remaining COVID-19 restrictions. However, healthcare facilities must continue following COVID-19 precautions. 

The governor’s executive order indicates that infection control and prevention measures in some specialized settings, including healthcare, “will not be based on [her] emergency authorities, but rather, required by independent federal or state regulatory or enterprise authorities.”

In other words, Harney District Hospital (HDH) and all of its affiliated clinics must continue following current COVID-19 restrictions set by state and federal agencies governing healthcare facilities. These agencies include the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), federal OSHA, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Face coverings required

With this in mind, HDH continues to ask that all patients and approved visitors wear a face covering when they come to the hospital, HDH Family Care, HDH Physical and Sports Therapy, and NewSun Energy & Harney District Hospital Specialty Care.

Call ahead if you have symptoms

Patients who have had cold or flu-like symptoms within the past 14 days should continue to call HDH Family Care at 541-573-2074 to identify the safest way to receive care before arriving at the hospital or clinics. After hours, call the hospital at 541-573-7281 and press 6 for nursing advice.

Health screening

All patients, visitors, and staff must continue to be health screened before entering the hospital or any of its affiliated clinics.

Visitor restrictions in place

Visitor restrictions remain in place throughout the organization.  However, following guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, a limited number of essential visitors will be permitted in specific situations.

Patients who are being treated for COVID-19 may not have visitors unless:

• They are end-of-life. This designation will be determined by the medical provider who is in charge of the patient’s care. Two essential individuals may visit these patients each day.

• They are hospitalized patients who are under the age of 18. These patients may have two parent or guardian visitors.

• They need assistance due to a disability. This includes altered mental status, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers, or behavior concerns. One essential individual may visit these patients each day.

Visitors will not be allowed in the emergency department unless the patient is under the age of 18 or has a disability.

All other hospital and clinic patients may have one essential visitor each day, unless they are end-of-life or hospitalized and under the age of 18. End-of-life patients (as determined by their medical provider) may have two essential individuals visit each day. Hospitalized patients who are under the age of 18 may have two parent or guardian visitors.

Visitors must:

• Have no fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, or body aches. If they start to experience these symptoms, they must leave the facility.

• Be the only person/people visiting the patient that day.

• Stay in the patient’s room.

• Not loiter anywhere on campus.

• Wear a mask the entire time they are in the facility in order to protect our patients and staff. Those who do not wear a mask will be asked to leave.

Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thank you for choosing HDH

HDH is excited to learn that Oregon’s vaccination rate is high enough that the governor feels comfortable lifting restrictions in most places outside of healthcare facilities. State and federal guidance for healthcare facilities is expected to evolve in the weeks and months to come, and HDH is definitely looking forward to a time when COVID-19 restrictions can start being lifted throughout the organization. In the meantime, HDH and all of its affiliated clinics sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to cope with the pandemic. It is an honor and a privilege to care for you. Thank you for choosing us as your healthcare partner!