WARSAW — Three area hospitals have released statements regarding preventative measures and tests for COVID-19, or the coronavirus.

Kosciusko Community Hospital says staff are taking proactive steps to prepare for the protection of patients, caregivers and the community while monitoring ongoing COVID-19 updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We are using the screening guidelines for symptoms and risk factors and have a response plan to protect patients and our staff should it be needed,” read KCH’s press release. “If a physician determines a patient meets the risk criteria, they will coordinate testing and the patient’s ultimate disposition, coordinating with the department of health as necessary. We understand the sensitivity at this time and want to reassure the community that we remain alert and ready to provide such care if necessary.”

Parkview Health has a statement on their website regarding people’s questions on COVID-19. According to the statement, Parkview recognizes that many people have concerns and questions about symptoms and their personal risk of or the risk of a loved one contracting COVID-19. Individuals with minor symptoms are advised to stay home rather than seek testing or medical care in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to others.

If a patient has a cough; a 100 degree or higher fever; has traveled to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran and is concerned of having been exposed; and does not have difficulty breathing, Parkview recommends the patient stay home with support in isolation and call the Parkview Physicians Group office or (877) PPG-TODAY for a free phone screening.

If a patient has a cough; a 100 degree or higher fever; has traveled to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran and is concerned of having been exposed; and does not have difficulty breathing but has flu-like symptoms, Parkview recommends patients call for a free phone screening. Performing a screening over the phone will allow medical review while limiting exposure to others.

If a patient has a cough; a 100 degree or higher fever; has traveled to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran and is concerned of having been exposed; and does have difficulty breathing, Parkview asks patients to seek care at an emergency department.

Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester asks that if patients have symptoms of respiratory illness and are concerned they may have risk factors for COVID-19 to call Woodlawn’s direct emergency department line at (574) 224-1131. Staff will be able to complete a risk assessment over the phone and provide guidance on next steps, which may include arranging testing if necessary. The hospital asks the public to call prior to visiting a physician’s office or emergency department and follow the current protocol for everyone’s protection to prevent spreading germs.

According to a statement from Woodlawn, if a patient needs to visit the emergency department to treat symptoms, proactive steps will be taken prior to entering the department to protect the patient and others.

On testing for COVID-19, the Indiana State Department of Health has a testing algorithm in place. ISDH will test those with severe illnesses that include fever and lower respiratory symptoms; healthcare workers; and long-term care facility residents or prison/jail residents and staff with fewer and respiratory illness and otherwise no known COVID-19 contact.

The ISDH also recommends that healthcare facilities test the following through commercial labs if able: patients who meet discharge or floor admission criteria but are otherwise symptomatic individuals such as adults older than 65 and individuals with chronic medical conditions or an immunocompromised state that may put them at higher risk for poor outcomes. The ISDH is also encouraging telehealth and nurse lines have patients stay home if they have mild illness.

Symptomatic patients at risk for COVID-19, having direct contact with a COVID-19 patient or travel from a geographic area with community spread should be advised to home quarantine for 14 days after the onset of symptoms.