CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tennova Medical Center in Clarksville is asking for the community’s help in maintaining patient and healthcare team safety. The medical center is limiting visitor contact and visiting hours in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory viruses.

“The best interest of our patients is to minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious or communicable diseases,” Tennova said in a statement.

The hospital is asking all patients who have traveled from a high-risk area for COVID-19, had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19, and cough, fever or difficulty breathing, to tell staff immediately. Visitors should delay visits to the medical center unless seeking medical care.

Tennova has modified visitor protocols to protect patients and the care-giving team.

These include:
1) One entry point into the facility (ER Entrance)
2) Posting signage informing people with fever or respiratory symptoms that they may not visit patients
3) Visitors are limited to one immediate family member, partner or significant other ages 18 and older per patient (Third Floor may have 2 visitors 24-hours a day)
4) No children under the age of 18 are permitted to visit
5) Visitor hours are limited to 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Other providers in the area are implementing similar practices and the medical center is asking for the community’s understanding and compliance.

All visitors are asked to practice infection prevention.

  • Sanitize your hands when entering the hospital and when entering or exiting patient rooms.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue; dispose of used tissues in the trash.
  • Sanitize your hands after coughing or sneezing.

For those wishing to drop off a card, gift or other message of encouragement, Tennova will deliver all items to patients.

Friends and family can call patient rooms. Patients can access the hospitals free Wi-Fi, allowing patients the opportunity to use FaceTime and other video communications apps.

There will be a temporary suspension of all support group and general health education classes that meet at the hospital.

“This is an extraordinary time in our community and we are taking this step out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our volunteers, guests and community,” Tennova said.

“We appreciate your understanding and compliance. With your help, we can maintain a safe environment for all our patients, visitors, and staff.”

If you have a question about the coronavirus COVID-19, please call the Tennessee Department of Health public information line at (877) 857-2945.