Cone Health closing all outpatient rehabilitation centers, visitor restrictions

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Cone Health is closing all 12 of its community-based outpatient rehabilitation facilities to protect staff from potential exposure to the coronavirus.

Cone Health rehabilitation facilities in Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham Counties are closed until further notice, according to a release from Cone Health.

Rehabilitation professionals will work with patients to help continue their care.

Cone Health said rehabilitation services provided in hospitals will continue as usual.

Community-based rehabilitation staff will be reassigned to other areas, as COVID-19 concerns grow in the community.

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Beginning March 23, no visitors will be allowed to at the hospital. These are the few exceptions to the restriction: 

• Laboring women will be allowed to have one person with them for their entire hospital visit. That one person can be a spouse, partner or doula.
• Two parents or guardians will be allowed to visit children under 18.
• Exceptions can be made to allow a total of four people to visit those nearing the end of life. People should talk with the patient’s nurse about these and other situations.

In a release, Cone Health reminded people of the importance of frequent hand washing, covering coughs and social distancing. Those who have COVID-19 symptoms should call their doctor or make a virtual visit.

 Cone Health said they are working with national, state and local health agencies as well as local, county and state governments to prepare for COVID-19.

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FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

RELATED: Facts Not Fear | What you need to know about the COVID-19 outbreak

WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT 

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media. 

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.