Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall has received results from its first positive case of COVID-19 coronavirus for a patient originating in Lafayette County.
According to a news release, the results were returned overnight by its partner commercial laboratory and communicated to the Lafayette County Health Department. At the point of testing, the patient was advised to self-quarantine at home and given educational materials from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The test was conducted at curbside on the exterior of the hospital facility by healthcare personnel wearing personal protective equipment as recommended by the CDC. Last week, the Fitzgibbon organization erected tents and implemented curbside testing for those with a doctor’s order. Curbside testing allows individuals to receive the necessary test while minimizing exposure to other patients and healthcare staff.
Angy Littrell, CEO of Fitzgibbon Hospital, says “We have been preparing for this for some time and are equipped for COVID-19 testing and for caring for potential patients. Our team is staying abreast of the developments on all fronts as the nation works to contain the spread of COVID-19.”
For the most up-to-date information on Fitzgibbon Hospital’s response to COVID-19, visit www.fitzgibbon.org/covid19. Information is updated on this web page as soon as it is available.