Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) is based in one of only 17 counties in the state that has not confirmed a single COVID-19 case to date. As of Friday, the seven counties that surround Calhoun have recorded only six cases, and SMCH has being using this relatively quiet period to prepare for when the coronavirus begins to ramp up in their service area. Dr. Margaret Vitiritto primarily sees patients at the McCrary Rost Clinic in Gowrie. She says they have been fortunate to have gone this long with so few cases, but that is likely due to the extensive requirements for testing.
In the three counties where SMCH has facilities, fewer than 300 total COVID-19 tests have been administered, more than half of which are in Webster County. According to Vitiritto, there is a good chance the virus is circulating in their communities. She details what preparations have been made so far at SMCH’s various facilities.
Vitiritto adds they are also screening people as they enter the hospital and placed heavy restrictions on patient visits. Despite low confirmed COVID-19 activity in their area at this time, Vitiritto stresses it is critical for people to not become complacent. She says guidelines from federal, state and local health officials, such as physical distancing, avoiding gatherings of 10 or more, wearing masks in public and washing hands with soap and water frequently to name a few, should be followed closely to avoid a potential spike in cases.
Webster County has recorded two confirmed cases as of April 17 and is the location of SMCH’s only facility in a region with proven coronavirus activity.
