COVID-19 (Coronavirus, COVID)

NH+C offers updated COVID-19 Vaccine

Updated COVID vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. Call your clinic to schedule. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Visitor restrictions

(Reviewed 11/9/23)

Visitation is open for hospitalized patients, including the Birth Center, and for all clinics.

Visitor restrictions may be adjusted if there’s a change in cases of COVID or other highly contagious viruses in the community. Visitor policies are based on infection-control best practices, and the level of contagious illness in the community.

In all departments:

  • Visitors with any COVID-19 symptom are not allowed.
  • All visitors must self-screen to rule out signs or symptoms of COVID. If potential visitor shows signs and or symptoms, they are not allowed to visit.
  • Visitors are required to be masked when visiting a COVID-positive patient.
  • Masks are optional. If COVID rates rise, we may resume mandatory masking. 

In the hospital:  

  • All hospital patients may have visitors.  
  • Children in the hospital may have one parent/guardian who may stay overnight. 
  • Hospital patients with disability or dementia may have one designated support person who may stay overnight. 
  • Birth Center patients may have visitors. Birth Center patients may have a doula in the labor room during labor and birth, and 2 hours post-partum. Vaccination is strongly encouraged. COVID testing is encouraged before entering the Birth Center. Birth Center staff will ask a doula to leave if there are any symptoms of COVID, influenza or other contagious illness.
  • Outpatient surgery and endoscopy patients may have two visitors, due to space limits. 
  • Emergency Department patients may have two visitors, due to space limits. Children may have two parents/guardians. 
  • Outpatients in hospital departments may have visitors. This includes the Cancer Care & Infusion Center, Imaging, Same Day Surgery, Wound Healing Center, Breast Care Center, Lactation, and Lab. 

 

Masks are optional at NH+C locations

Masks are optional for staff, patients, and visitors. If COVID rates rise, we may resume mandatory masking. 

Clinic patients with respiratory symptoms are asked to wear a mask. This is to protect other patients and our staff.

Individuals who need or want extra protection are welcome and encouraged to continue masking. We provide medical grade masks for anyone who chooses to wear a mask.

If you or a family member are at high risk for severe illness, talk with your healthcare provider about wearing a mask. See CDC recommendations for masking.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19

Who, when, how to seek antiviral treatment for COVID

Antiviral medicine like Paxlovid can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID.

Not everyone needs it. Those who do should act quickly, even if they don’t feel very sick at first: Treatment must be started within the first five days of symptoms to be effective. Talk with your provider. 

(updated 11/9/23)

When should I get tested for COVID?

Updated November 9, 2023

Testing is an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID. The two most important times to test are after you may have been exposed to the virus, or before you spend time with medically vulnerable people (like grandparents).

Some COVID-19 symptoms can seem like a cold, flu or even allergies. Don’t dismiss them. If you're experiencing any COVID symptom, whether vaccinated or not, you should get tested.

No symptoms? Get tested when you:

  • Have close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID
  • Have an immunocompromising condition (even if fully vaccinated)
  • Plan to spend time with medically vulnerable people 
  • Are traveling (coming + going)
  • Attended a high-risk event (sporting event, concert, large indoor gathering)
  • Were asked to, by a health care provider or health department
  • Think or worry that you might have COVID

While waiting for results:

  • Stay away from others if you have any symptoms.
  • Wear a mask indoors when not at home.
  • Make a plan in case you test positive. You’ll have to isolate, even if you don’t feel sick.
  • Tell people you’ve been near that you may have COVID. If they’re not fully vaccinated, they should stay away from others until they hear from you.

See CDC's recommendations on Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID.  

Treating yourself at home

Many cases of COVID-19 are not severe. You can treat yourself at home.

  • Individuals with undiagnosed fever, cough, shortness of breath should ALL self-quarantine.
  • Stay away from others: Anyone with symptoms should isolate themselves from household members and intimate contacts
  • Household members and intimate contacts should limit their own contact with others, and monitor for symptoms
  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Sleep
  • Take medicine to reduce fever

(Reviewed 11/9/23)