Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information
as of August 1, 2021

At Spring View Hospital, our top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community. We continue to closely monitor the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and follow state and federal guidance as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients. Spring View Hospital has your safety covered.

We are happy to welcome visitors back to the hospital. We are currently following pre-pandemic protocols, which include 2 visitors at a time per patient. No visitors are permitted for COVID-19 positive patients at any time. Click here for complete information and exceptions to this policy.
Pre-operative and pre-procedure COVID-19 testing will be at the discretion of the ordering physician or surgeon. If you are undergoing an outpatient procedure, your provider may place the order for the test, and if so, the hospital will reach out with instructions for scheduling. Click here for current testing policies.
Vaccines are available locally at Spring View Medical Group by calling 270.290.1052 or you may request a COVID-19 vaccine appointments through the links provided below.

Marion County Residents
Vaccines for Marion County Residents will be located at 330 Loretto Road, Lebanon, KY

Washington County Residents
Vaccines for Washington County Residents will be located at 79 Bob-O-Link Drive, Springfield, KY

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe environment for our patients and team.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions that may help aid in understanding Spring View's preparedness during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information is broken down into the following categories, click a category to jump to that section and view the "answer" by clicking each question:

Visitor Restrictions and Screening

What visitor restrictions are in place at Spring View Hospital?
At Spring View Hospital, our top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community. We continue to closely monitor the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and follow state and federal guidance as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients. Please be advised that as of August 1, 2021 we have expanded our visitor policy at Spring View Hospital: We are happy to welcome visitors back to the hospital. We are currently following pre-pandemic protocols, which include 2 visitors at a time per patient. All visitors will be screened upon entry and will be required to wear a mask at all times while in the facility. Visitors who have symptoms of COVID-19 including signs of respiratory infection or flu, new loss of taste or smell, or who have had close contact with a person who is positive or presumptive positive for COVID-19 should NOT enter Spring View Hospital. Visitors are NOT allowed for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or respiratory patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe environment for our patients and team.
What entrances are open at Spring View Hospital?
Patients and visitors can enter Spring View Hospital through the Emergency Walk-In Entrance, Outpatient Surgery/Radiology Entrance and the Front Door Entrance. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please enter through the Emergency Department Ambulance Bay entrance. Staff, including nurses and physicians, should enter the facility at all times through the Employee Entrance located next to Women's Center only.
Will I be screened upon entry?
All visitors and patients and staff will be screened and have their temperature taken upon entry. No visitor or staff member will be allowed if they have symptoms of respiratory infection or flu (fever, cough, shortness of breath), have recently traveled to an area with a known outbreak of the virus, or have had close contact with a person who is presumptive positive or positive for COVID-19.
Will I be required to wear a mask?
As of April 1, all visitors, patients, and staff at Spring View Hospital and its affiliates as well as Spring View Medical Group will be required to wear a facemask (also known as a surgical mask) at all times. More information on N95 masks, surgical masks, and wearing a mask in public is below.
What restrictions or screenings are in place at other SVH facilities and Spring View Physician Practices?
To help ensure the safety of our patients, providers, employees and community, all of our Spring View Medical Group employed practices are allowing patients to have one WELL visitor per day or one companion for ambulatory appointments. All visitors -- and anyone entering our facility -- are screened for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, according to CDC guidelines. WELL visitors must meet our minimum age requirement of 16 years of age and are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering for the duration of their visit. Due to the size of our Emergency Department and out of an abundance of caution we will continue to restrict visitation for a little while longer. Exceptions will continue to be made for pediatric patients, guardians, and end of life situations. Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit and return home.

Vaccine Information

Spring View Hospital is offering vaccines locally through Spring View Medical Group.

To make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine please use the links below and select the county in which you reside. To request an appointment by phone please call 270.290.1052.

Who is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?
We are admistering the COVID-19 vaccines on a first come first serve basis following phasing guidance established by the CDC and the Kentucky Department of Health. Walk-in appointments are not available at this time.
The vaccine was produced very quickly. How do I know it is safe?
The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is the top priority while federal partners work to make the COVID-19 vaccines. Despite what the name may suggest, “Operation Warp Speed” does not mean that manufacturers were able to skip steps or cut corners in the vaccine development process. Instead, after development of the vaccine, manufacturers took a secured risk and overlapped the study, manufacturing and distribution phases. The FDA committed to giving these vaccinations priority (not rushed) review at all phases of the studies, which helped speed up the overall process. Ongoing monitoring of vaccine effectiveness and side effect reports will continue to be evaluated by the FDA and the manufacturers
If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, should I still wear a mask?
Yes. For several reasons, a mask and other proven methods of preventing COVID-19 (hand hygiene and social distancing) are still important even after receiving the vaccine. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, should I still get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available?
Yes. At this time, the vaccine is recommended even if you previously tested positive for COVID-19. There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again; this is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. More information will be shared as it becomes available. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people who have had COVID-19 greater than 90 days ago should proceed with getting the vaccine. Due to limited vaccine supply, if you have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, your likelihood of reinfection is low enough during this time period that you can wait to get the vaccine until you hit the 90-day mark after being sick.
Can you contract COVID-19 by getting the vaccine?
No. The vaccine is NOT a live vaccine, and it is NOT possible to contract COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine. Some people experience side effects from the vaccine, such as headache, muscle pain, or fever – but that does not mean you have COVID-19. It means your body is working to build the necessary immunity against the virus, which is a good thing.
What are the possible side effects/adverse events from the COVID-19 vaccine?
The most common adverse reactions reported have been fatigue, headache, fever/chills and joint pain. This means your body is working to build the necessary immunity against the virus. You can read more in Pfizer’s FDA Briefing Document about the side effects reported among the vaccine study participants.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine be administered to children?
Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine can be administered to children 12 years of age or older. Moderna and Johnson&Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has not been indicated for children younger than 16 years old at this time.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine be administered to pregnant women?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals. It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccines currently available have not been tested in pregnant women, so there is no safety data specific to use in pregnancy. Pregnant women should make an informed decision after discussing with their healthcare provider.
How many doses are required? If multiple, when do I get another dose?
For both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, two doses are required. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine should be administered 21 days after the first dose. The second dose of the Moderna vaccine should be administered 28 days after the first dose. It is very important to note that the second dose must be from the same manufacturer as the first dose.
What should I do if I am unable to get the second dose exactly 21 days (Pfizer) or 28 days (Moderna) after the first dose?
While it is recommended that you receive the second dose as soon as feasible after day 21 or day 28, we understand that it might not be possible to receive it on the desired date. This could be due to multiple reasons. Please keep the following in mind if you cannot receive the second vaccine dose on the desired date: You must receive the second dose from the same manufacturer as the first dose. Get the second dose as soon as possible after the desired date has passed, as it is better to get the second dose late than not at all. You will still experience the same efficacy in the long run, although you may not see the full effect of the immunity until a few weeks after the second dose.
How long after receiving both doses of the vaccine until it is considered effective?
Similar to the flu vaccine, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. As a general rule, the vaccine is considered effective about two weeks after the second dose, according to the manufacturers. There is evidence that the first dose will begin providing some immunity, but it is still very important to receive the second dose for optimal results.
Can I choose which vaccine I get (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson)?
We do not recommend waiting for a specific manufacturer. Vaccines have similar efficacy and potential side effects, and have shown decreased disease severity in the small numbers of study participants who contracted COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine.

Caring for COVID-19 Positive Patients

Are you currently treating patients who are positive for COVID-19?
Yes, we are treating patients who are positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at our hospital.
Where are these patients located within the hospital?
Currently, all patients who have tested positive, or those who are presumptive positve, and require hospitalization, are placed in an isolated unit dedicated to COVID-19 cases, within our hospital. Should this unit become full, our emergency plan includes the establishment of other secure and safe COVID-19 patient areas within the hospital, or in some cases, outside of the hospital, and away from patients who may be hospitalized for non-COVID-19 reasons.
Who is caring for COVID-19 patients?
Dedicated teams of nurses and physicians in our COVID-19 unit and ER are caring for positive and presumptive positive COVID-19 patients. Negative-pressure air units are in place to ensure that the airflow from these areas of the hospital remains separate from our other patient, visitor and staff areas.
What is an N95 mask and who should wear one?
An N95 is a type of respirator mask that can remove particles from the air that is breathed through it. N95 are capable of filtering out all types of particles, including bacteria and viruses. An N95 is recommended only for use by healthcare personnel who need protection from both airborne and fluid hazards (e.g., splashes, sprays). These respirators are not used or needed outside of healthcare settings. In times of shortage, only healthcare personnel who are working in a sterile field or who may be exposed to high velocity splashes, sprays, or splatters of blood or body fluids should wear these masks. N95 masks may be reused, unless soiled or wet. (Source: CDC.gov)
What is a facemask and who should wear one?
The role of facemasks, or surgical masks, is for patient source control, to prevent contamination of the surrounding area when a person coughs or sneezes.  Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a facemask until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. As of April 1, all patients, staff, and visitors will be asked to wear a mask at all times. (Source: CDC.gov)
Should I wear a mask everywhere I go?
It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. The CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. (Source: CDC.gov)
How are you managing PPE? Do you have enough PPE?
While we currently have enough PPE available for our staff, we are following CDC guidance for the reuse and conservation of PPE where appropriate. The safety of our team members is always of the utmost importance to us, and we work within strict parameters for the use of medical-grade PPE for the protection of our frontline caregivers. SVH materials management team tracks daily usage and identifies areas of higher than expected use. This information is then used to implement additional conservation strategies tailored to specific patient care areas such as hospital units or outpatient facilities. Inventory tracking within our hospital also assists in confirming PPE deliveries and optimizing distribution of PPE supplies across all of our facilities.

Understanding the Coronavirus and Testing for COVID-19

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Are there different strains of coronavirus?
Yes, there are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans. Four of the seven coronaviruses are very common, more mild (similar to the common cold), and most people will be infected with at least one of them in their lifetime. Healthcare providers test for these common coronaviruses routinely, and no public health measures are needed to address these common coronaviruses. People infected with the common coronaviruses can avoid passing them to others by covering their coughs and sneezes, cleaning their hands frequently and containing germs by staying home when ill. Three of the seven coronaviruses are rare and can cause more severe illness; this includes COVID-19. Testing for this virus can only be done at CDC; healthcare providers are not able to test for this virus independent of the public health department.
What should I do if I have traveled to an area with the infection and feel sick?
If you have developed a fever or respiratory symptoms and believe you have had exposure to a known case or traveled to an area with community spread, isolate yourself from others in your home right away and contact your healthcare provider BY PHONE to describe your symptoms and any recent travels BEFORE going to a local healthcare facility.
Will I be tested for COVID-19? How do I get tested for COVID-19?
Pre-operative and pre-procedure COVID-19 testing will be at the discretion of the ordering physician or surgeon. If you are undergoing an outpatient procedure, your provider may place the order for the test, and if so, the hospital will reach out with instructions for scheduling. At this time, tests for COVID-19 require a provider order. Visiting a provider does not necessarily mean you need testing or that you will receive testing. Your provider will follow all appropriate guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kentucky Department of Health to determine if testing is recommended based on your symptoms and recent travel history.
What are the qualifications for being tested for COVID-19?
Someone may be a candidate for testing if he or she has: A fever and cough or shortness of breath AND has been in close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case; or A fever and cough or shortness of breath and a history of travel from affected geographic areas; or A fever and cough or shortness of breath requiring hospitalization with no other source of infection.
Can I pick up or buy a test kit for COVID-19?
No. At this time, tests for COVID-19 require a provider order and are not commercially available to the public.
What do I do if I’ve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
If you have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should self-monitor for fever or symptoms of respiratory illness for 14 days. If you begin to experience fever or symptoms of respiratory illness, and they are mild enough that you can manage them at home, you should remain at home in isolation. For details about how to correctly perform home isolation, tips for managing your illness at home with family members, and guidance on when you can discontinue home isolation, please visit the CDC’s website. If you are not experiencing symptoms, or you are experiencing mild symptoms you can manage at home in isolation, you do not need to seek medical care or testing.
I believe I have symptoms of COVID-19. What do I do next?
I’m experiencing mild symptoms right now, but I’m worried. If you are experiencing fever and/or mild symptoms of respiratory illness, you can and should isolate at home during illness. For details about how to correctly perform home isolation, tips for managing your illness at home with family members, and guidance on when you can discontinue home isolation, please visit the CDC’s website. Worsening symptoms – I need to see my provider. Be alert to any changing symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if your symptoms are getting worse. If you feel you need to visit your healthcare provider, call ahead before you arrive to tell them you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. This will allow your provider’s office staff to properly prepare for your visit and take the necessary precautions to keep others from being infected or exposed. Emergent symptoms – I am having difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and notify the dispatch agent that your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms. Will I be tested? Your emergency medicine provider or primary physician will make this determination based on your symptoms and recent travel history. You may or may not be tested, but your provider will follow all appropriate CDC and Kentucky Department of Health guidelines.
How can I protect myself?
While there is currently no vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus and those with the virus can seek medical care to relieve symptoms. There are simple, everyday actions you can take to help prevent spreading germs that cause respiratory viruses. These include: Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Close contact is defined as being within approximately 6 feet, or within the room or care area, of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Close contact can also include caring for, living with, visiting or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case. Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (such as being coughed on) while not wearing recommended PPE. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should: Stay home. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Guidance on Elective Surgeries and Options for Connecting with Your Healthcare Provider

Is my surgery being cancelled?
Spring View Hospital has resumed all elective/non-elective surgeries. Pre-operative and pre-procedure COVID-19 testing will be at the discretion of the ordering physician or surgeon. If you are undergoing an outpatient procedure, your provider may place the order for the test, and if so, the hospital will reach out with instructions for scheduling.
Can I still make an appointment with my doctor? Is telemedicine an available option?
Yes, all providers within the Spring View Physician Practices group are still accepting in-office appointments. Many of these practices are also now offering telemedicine visits. Patients who are concerned they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 may also use these telemedicine appointments to help further reduce the spread of respiratory illness. Two types of telehealth visits are available: telephonic and televideo. A telephonic visit is simply a phone call with your provider and a televideo visit is a face-to-face visit through video with you provider using a video conferencing tool. To request this type of appointment, simply call your provider’s office, just as you would for an in-person visit. You will be given an appointment time and instructions for the best way to connect on your computer or phone. At your scheduled time, instead of coming to the office, you will call back or log in and be “checked in” by a nurse or office manager. Then you'll be transferred to your physician for the call or two-way video. To learn more about our telemedicine offerings, please visit SpringViewMedicalGroup.com /telemedicine

Additional Resources and Information

Quick links to additional health resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kentucky Department for Public Health Kentucky Hospital Association A complete list of frequently asked questions and answers about COVID-19 is available on the CDC website, by clicking here.
Resources for community employers:
Resources are available for all patients and visitors including our Respiratory Illness Symptoms flyer, which help to explain what to do based on your symptoms
Information about the CARES Act for independent contractors, physicians, and healthcare providers:
The Trump Administration is issuing an unprecedented array of temporary regulatory waivers and new rules to equip the American healthcare system with maximum flexibility to respond to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have assembled the documents below in hopes that they may help you navigate through this uncertain time: Opportunities for Small Businesses in the CARES Act of 2020 Paycheck Protection Program (Borrower Application Form) Physicians and Other Clinicians: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information as of August 1, 2021