Coronavirus 2020

Clay County Hospital

Bob Sellers, CEO

To the Residents of Our Area:

I have heard the word “unprecedented” so many times when discussing the Coronavirus (Covid-19), it is just kind of getting old.  The reality however, is that we are facing something we don’t understand and have never encountered in our lifetimes.  We have lived through the swine flu (H1N1) and some of us remember Polio, but we have not faced a virus that has affected so many as quickly as Covid-19.  A review of numbers here in Illinois yesterday: 4,596 positive tests for Covid-19 and 65 deaths in 47 Counties. Unfortunately, we know that it is just a matter of time before Clay County has its first positive resident for the virus.

I am asking each of you to take this seriously.  Follow the guidelines of distancing, washing your hands, and staying at home.  Every single life is precious and if you are young, most of you will be fine, but even one young life lost to Covid-19 would be a tragedy.  For those over the age of 60, this is an extremely dangerous virus.  Eighty-six percent of deaths in Illinois are of people older than 60.  Do not take the attitude that this is just the flu and stop practicing the recommend precautions.  Wash your hands and sing (to yourself) happy birthday twice and rinse.  This is the single greatest precaution you can take.

The physicians, providers, and staff at Clay County Hospital are here to take care of your medical needs.  Much planning has been put into place for your protection and the protection of our staff.  We have conserved our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and we have had great support from the community, increasing the number of cloth masks available for our patients and staff.  We don’t know what the future will bring, but what I can assure you is that our staff will do everything we are capable of to see that each of you receive the best care during this Covid-19 pandemic.