COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Vaccinations

COVID-19 and its variants continue to impact communities across our country and the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all Americans age 5 and older, with few exceptions, be vaccinated against the virus. Read the CDC’s latest guidance.

At this time, Cornerstone Regional Hospital is NOT a community vaccination site. Please refer to your local health authority or pharmacy for information on community vaccination sites.

Latest COVID-19 Information

The safety of our patients and staff has always been and remains our top priority. Since the beginning of the pandemic we have implemented extraordinary measures and additional protocols, including mandatory masking in our facilities, to help ensure a safe and clean environment for our patients, physicians, staff and community. We continue to actively monitor and respond to all recommendations made by the CDC and our local health agencies.

Thank you for entrusting your care to us. When you or your loved ones need services, know that we are here … safe, trusted and ready to deliver a superior healthcare experience.

Emergency Department – Do Not Delay in Seeking Critical Care

Our Emergency Departments are staffed 24/7 to serve those with emergency medical conditions. Individuals experiencing serious injuries or medical symptoms such as chest pain, numbness, difficulty breathing or mental confusion should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. It could save your life.

We have an additional layer of protection with the utilization of UV light technology that kills germs once a room is unoccupied. Curtains and doors are kept closed and patients are separated based on symptoms.

Individuals Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

If you develop a fever or cough or have difficulty breathing, or have had close contact with someone who has had a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result, please seek medical attention by calling your provider’s office or an Urgent Care Center.

If you need help deciding if you should seek medical care, access the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker on the CDC COVID-19 Symptoms page by clicking on the Coronavirus Self-checker button at the top of the page.

Telehealth

For your convenience and safety, virtual visits via Telehealth technology are available to address many non-emergency health concerns. Virtual visits allow you to speak with a healthcare provider using a phone, tablet or computer from the comfort of your own home.

Visitation Guidelines (as of January 5, 2022)

South Texas Health System continues to monitor COVID-19 activity within our hospitals to understand how to best meet the needs of our community. After discussions by leadership from all our acute care hospitals, the following visitation restrictions are now in effect:

• All visitors must:
  • Be screened upon entry into the hospital
  • Wear an approved face mask at all times (no gator masks or bandanas allowed)
  • Frequently perform good hand hygiene
  • Limit their visit to the patient room or designated area they are visiting
• Adult Inpatient Units: One (1) adult support person is allowed for the entire duration of the patient’s stay during the hours of 8 am – 8 pm, not including patients in COVID-19 treatment areas.
• COVID-19 Inpatient Units: We understand the importance of visiting your loved one during this time. As such, in accordance with HB2211, patients being treated for COVID-19 are permitted to designate one visitor for the entire duration of their stay. The designated individual may visit from 2 – 2:30 pm and will be provided a pass, which may NOT be transferred to another friend/family member wishing to see the patient. Additional guidelines and instructions for visitors are as follows:
  • Present the visitor pass to the screener station and answer all screening questions
  • Wear a hospital-provided surgical mask at all times during the visit; do not use a mask brought from home
  • Stay in the room for the duration of the visit
  • Sanitize hands before entering your loved one’s room, as well as after exiting
  • Exit the patient’s room promptly at 2:30 pm and sanitize hands
  • After exiting the facility, it is recommended you discard the hospital-issued mask, sanitize hands and wear the mask brought from home
  • Visitation for a patient in isolation is subject to change based on a physician’s recommendation or failure to comply with visitation guidance
• Pediatric Inpatient Units: One (1) adult support person is allowed per day with 24-hour in-room visitation permitted. A second visitor is allowed during the designated visitation hours of 8 am – 8 pm.
• Emergency Department: One (1) adult support person is allowed in the emergency department.
• Outpatient Areas (Imaging, Labs, Day Surgery, etc.): One (1) adult support person may accompany the patient and wait in the waiting area.
• End-of-Life Considerations: We are deeply committed to supporting the loved ones of patients in an end-of-life condition. We will work with a point person from each family to accommodate appropriate visitation in coordination with the medical provider.

Visitation guidelines will be regularly examined by hospital leadership and adjusted based on any change in the COVID-19 situation within our community. Our goal is always to ensure the highest level of safety for our patients, physicians, mid-level providers, staff and community members.

Prevention

If you have not yet been vaccinated, the CDC recommends individuals follow these everyday preventive measures.

• Wear a mask. If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places.
• Stay six feet away from others.
• Get vaccinated. Authorized COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you from COVID-19.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash your hands often.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Monitor your daily health and watch for symptoms.