At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, Arkansas Department of Health added Baxter County to the interactive map on their website that indicates counties with a positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Baxter Regional can confirm that they have not yet treated a patient who has a lab- confirmed case of COVID-19.

Baxter Regional has been preparing for weeks for this pandemic and has taken all necessary actions to ensure the health and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, physician and staff. We will be on the front lines providing high-quality, safe and compassionate care. We encourage everyone to continue taking the steps to protect themselves and others.

• Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
• If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
• If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.
• If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
• If you are elderly, stay home and away from other people.
• If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition — such as a significant heart or lung problem — stay home and away from other people.

Everyone should continue practicing strict personal hygiene, including washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time and wiping down surfaces in the home often. We all must adjust to the reality that COVID-19 is here in our community.

If you believe you may have Coronavirus, DO NOT go to the hospital or a physician clinic. Stay home, call your primary care physician or the Baxter Regional COVID-19 Hotline (870-508-7001, available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and avoid contact with others. Several Coronavirus Hotlines have been set up for people who have questions or feel they may have symptoms:

• Baxter Regional COVID-19 Hotline: (870) 508-7001, available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• UAMS Health COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-632-4502
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital: 1-800-743-3616. If your child is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, call to speak with an ACH nurse. Nursing staff will be available for questions and phone screenings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Arkansas Department of Health: Call 1-800-803-7847 or email ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov during normal business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Call 1-800-554-5738 after normal business hours for urgent calls needing immediate response.

Visit www.baxterregional.org/coronavirus for the latest local updates from Baxter Regional Medical Center.