Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula has been monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic closely. Community Hospital has been working with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on protocols for addressing any potential cases.

Updated coronavirus guidelines from the CDC recommend that if someone has traveled from an affected area within the last 14 days -- and has a fever, cough or shortness of breath -- and is not in need of urgent medical care, they should stay home. If symptoms worsen, they can call their doctor to determine if additional care and/or COVID-19 testing is appropriate. Those who have been in direct contact with someone who is known to have COVID-19 and have now developed a fever or symptoms of respiratory illness should call the local health department for guidance. For those with more severe symptoms, contact your health care provider (ER, urgent care, or doctor) before arriving if possible, or in a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

Still have questions? Call our COVID-19 Information Line: (831) 622-8001

Visitor restrictions

Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19, we are restricting visitors for inpatients as well as outpatient procedures, until further notice. This takes effect at midnight, Sunday, March 22.

Exceptions will be made in these very limited cases:

• One parent or guardian for NICU and pediatric patients
• One birth partner for patients in labor
• One parent if patient is a minor seen in ED or during an outpatient appointment
• End-of-life patient visits will be will be managed at the discretion of the Nursing Supervisor

All special-circumstance visitors may be screened before entering the facilities to ensure they do not have a temperature of 100 degrees or above, or any other symptoms of cough or illness.

At Westland House, our skilled nursing facility, we are following federal recommendations and are only allowing visitors when a patient is near the end of life or when it is essential to the patient’s well-being, as determined by our staff.

We recommend using phone calls, FaceTime, Skype, or the phone in your room to connect with loved ones.

People with chronic disease or who are over the age of 65 are discouraged from visiting the hospital.

Hospitals around the county are implementing similar restrictions as we all work to control the spread of illness.

Coronavirus FAQs

Can I get tested for the virus at my doctor’s office or at the hospital?
Testing for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is only appropriate for people who meet certain criteria. Criteria include both symptoms and assessment of risk factors, like known exposure to a person with COVID-19, travel, and consideration of chronic medical conditions. If you are not having any symptoms, then you would not be tested at this time.

What are the current criteria for being tested for COVID-19?
Currently, criteria for testing include the presence of both symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19. Symptoms include fever and cough or shortness of breath. Risk factors taken into consideration for testing include direct contact with someone known to have COVID-19, travel in the last 14 days from an affected area and presence of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease.

Should I come to the hospital if I am ill and think I have COVID-19?
Community Hospital invites anyone who wants to see a doctor for their symptoms. In order to minimize the chance of spreading contagious viral illnesses within the community, if you are not severely ill it is advised that you stay home and first call your doctor for advice. If you do not have a doctor, you should call the Monterey County Health Department at (831) 755-4500. If you have a severe illness, are unable to breathe or unable to care for your symptoms at home, then you should seek emergency medical care. You should wear a mask outside the home and inform the healthcare providers immediately upon arrival of your symptoms and exposure to COVID-19. If possible, call the healthcare facility in advance of your arrival to allow them time to prepare to avoid unnecessary exposures.

Will wearing a mask protect me from getting infected?
If you are not ill with a cough or other upper respiratory illness, then it is not advised to wear masks for protection at this time. It is possible that improper use of a mask by people who are well may actually put you at a higher risk of getting a respiratory virus infection. Healthcare workers who will be in direct contact with infected people should wear a mask for protection. People who are ill with a respiratory infection should also wear a mask when away from home to prevent spreading the infection to people around them.

How can I protect myself from getting infected?
Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer frequently and always before eating. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth or face with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with other people who have a respiratory illness. Frequently wipe down high touch surfaces like kitchen countertops and bathroom surfaces with disinfecting wipes. If you do become sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness in the community.

What is COVID-19 (coronavirus) and how to reduce your risks of exposure

Learn more about COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, and what you can do to help reduce your risk and seek treatment when needed in Monterey County. Presented by the medical staff at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Montage Health.