From left: Dr. Alan Arthur and Mary Wetherall, of NEPA Community Health Care; Sara Adornato, Barnes-Kasson; and Loren Stone, EMHS. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
As Susquehanna County moved from the Red to Yellow Phase of reopening, health care officials presented a unified front to urge residents to proceed with caution at a press conference held Thursday, May 21, in Montrose.
Mary Wetherall, CEO of NEPA Community Health Care, said the health care leaders had been meeting frequently throughout the crisis.
She also reminded the public that health care services remain available – with both in-person and telehealth options – and asked that those in need of medical services should contact their providers.
“We need to get back to living,” offered Dr. Alan Arthur, medical director of NEPA Community Health Care, adding that social distancing and wearing face masks should continue. “They are more to help us not spread (COVID-19) around,” he said.
“We need people to know we are there and to not be paralyzed by fear,” Dr. Arthur said.
Barnes-Kasson CEO Sara Adornato said the stopping the spread of the virus is vital. She urged people to maintain social distancing guidelines and to keep a distance of six feet from each other.
“People infected with no symptoms play a role in the spread (of the virus),” Adornato said. “Social distancing limits the opportunities that people can come in contact (with COVID-19).” She also urged people to “stay connected while staying away.”
“Everyone’s risk is different,” she said, “but everyone can get and spread COVID-19.”
EMHS CEO Loren Stone spoke about changes the pandemic has brought about for the health care delivery system, including and increase in the use of telehealth services and the pre-screening of patients coming to facilities for services.
“Universal masking has been in place since April 6,” Stone said. Along with staff screening and temperature checks at the entry, Stone said there is also enhanced cleaning protocols in place.
“We want to make sure we are able to provide safe care to patients,” he said.
The health care providers have been sharing information, as well as supplies, and are all equipped with PPE at this time.
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