GREENSBORO, N.C. — Cone Health has made the decision to close its coronavirus COVID-19 drive-thru collection site.
The hospital said due to the coronavirus pandemic it has resulted in increased use of equipment that’s needed to protect their patients and staff.
“The same protective gear used at the collection site is also used in our hospitals. To protect our staff and hospitalized patients, we have made this difficult decision,” says Bruce Swords, MD, PhD, chief physician executive, Cone Health. “We have to be able to protect the most critically ill patients and those who provide their care.”
Cone Health closed the drive-thru collection site that’s located at 300 East Wendover Avenue in Greensboro. However, the center could reopen when additional supplies become available.
The hospital said people who have COVID-19 symptoms who come to Cone Health emergency departments could be assessed in triage tents outside entrances. If they have severe symptoms they’ll be admitted to the hospital for care. If not, they’ll be sent home to self-quarantine and recover.
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.
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.
NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE
The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 2-1-1 or 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.
CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Stay connected to local, national and breaking news: Download the new WFMY News 2 app.
►Text the keyword APP to 336-379-5775
►For the latest weather conditions and forecast text the keyword WEATHER to 336-379-5775
►For local news stories right to your phone text the keyword NEWS to 336-379-5775
►Need our Call for Action Team? Text keyword CFA to 336-379-5775
►For traffic alerts text the word TRAFFIC to 336-379-5775
