At Willis-Knighton Health System, the health and safety of our patients, staff and communities is our first priority. We remain vigilant in our commitment to safety for our patients, our visitors and our employees. With each shift of the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapt and provide you with up-to-date information about facility policies.
Hospitals have a long history of caring for people with infectious diseases. During this global pandemic we must be cautious and protect our patients, their families and employees at our hospitals and clinics.
Although COVID-19 has presented major hurdles for many businesses, we understand sanitation and infection prevention better than most organizations. Our director of infection prevention leads a team of infection prevention specialists on each of our campuses, and this is their daily focus.
During the pandemic we have followed our usual best practices, and we have taken extra measures to protect you. We closely monitor the latest guidelines and recommendations from experts and adapt as necessary.
As you visit our hospitals and emergency departments, we want you to understand what we are doing to keep you safe. Please do not delay addressing any important health concerns. You can visit our hospitals, outpatient locations and network clinics confidently, knowing that we are focusing not just on your health but on your safety too.
The availability of a vaccine brings us hope for the future. Willis-Knighton is committed to fair and equitable distribution of vaccine throughout our community.
COVID Update for WK
Updated May 24, 2021
Willis-Knighton now allows two visitors per patient (except COVID patients). This includes pediatric patients as well as Labor & Delivery.
The health system will continue to restrict points of entry at all facilities but will no longer screen visitors for COVID symptoms.
All visitors must wear a mask at all times while visiting Willis-Knighton hospitals and facilities.
Phase 3 COVID Reopening Update for WK
Updated September 11, 2020
Although Louisiana has been moved to Phase 3 of coronavirus reopening, there will be no changes in the visitor policies at WK facilities. The safety of our patients and our employees is our priority. COVID-19 remains a significant public health threat in our community. We will not adjust visitor policies, facility access restrictions, or screening until the risk of infection has been significantly reduced. We urge everyone to do their part in protecting themselves, their families and their loved ones from the virus. In the meantime, we will continue to focus on delivering quality healthcare services to our patients while continuing our emphasis on safety and cleanliness. Whenever you need us, you can be confident and come on back to better health at Willis-Knighton.
FACTS ABOUT COVID-19
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms that may appear 2 to 14 days following exposure to the virus are:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
Symptoms may also include at least two of these:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
COVID-19 RISK FACTORS
- Travel to an affected country/region
- Close contact (within 6 feet) with a person diagnosed with COVID-19
IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE COVID-19
If you suspect you have COVID-19 AND you have one of more of the risk factors, immediately call your primary care physician for instruction. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the Louisiana Department of Health general information line (2-1-1) or your preferred healthcare provider (urgent care, emergency department) for instructions.
DO NOT ARRIVE AT ANY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITHOUT CALLING FIRST TO GET INSTRUCTIONS. Arriving at a location without getting instruction risks exposure of others who do not have this virus.
IF YOUR CONDITION IS LIFE-THREATENING, CALL 9-1-1, but be sure to SHARE YOUR SYMPTOMS and RISK FACTORS with the operator so appropriate measures can be taken when transporting you to a healthcare facility.
Avoid public areas. Stay at home away from others if you are sick.
Limit contact with pets and animals. Since little is known about this virus, avoid contact with your pets. If you must care for a pet while ill, wash your hands before interacting with the pet and wear a facemask.
Cover your coughs and sneezes. Dispose of tissues in a lined trashcan. Wash your hands immediately.
Clean your hands often. Wash with soap and water at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food. If you do not have soap and water, use an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean household/personal items daily. These include your dishes, cell phone, computer keyboard, door knobs, countertops, sink faucet handles, etc.