GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - In a press release issued on March 19th, just before the State was placed on mandatory “shelter-in-place” orders, Orchard Hospital announced measures that it was taking to prepare for the inevitable development of COVID-19 cases in our area.  

According to the press release, “Orchard Hospital’s leadership and staff is working around the clock to mitigate an outbreak.” At that point, hospitals in Butte County had not seen any confirmed cases of the virus but that, of course, has changed. 

Measures that have been taken in anticipation of the outbreak include: The activation of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) which monitors the COVID-19 outbreak daily; the deployment of a mobile tent on the western entrance to the hospital should there be a need for an “overflow site”; in regards to testing or quarantining any potential COVID-19 cases; and  most non-essential medical appointments across the various programs have been cancelled until further notice–to be rescheduled at a later, safer date.

The press release continued to outline that Orchard has made every effort to increase their supply of personal protective equipment for both patients and staff–supplies are limited and currently being monitored closely. The Medical Specialty Clinic is screening all patients and rerouting symptomatic patients to the appropriate level of care. Also, for the foreseeable future, access to the main hospital and Hovlid Community Care Center will be restricted to visitors unless their loved one is in final comfort care/end of life. 

Orchard Hospital CEO, Steve Stark says, “We are in constant communication with county public health agencies, California Hospital Association, and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control and will update staff and the community with information as it becomes available.” 

Orchard urges the community to stay informed via legitimate and verified sources. Per the recommendation of the CDC, anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 and develops a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing should contact their healthcare provider for medical advice.