ARTESIA — As New Mexico experiences a substantial, sustained rise in COVID-19 cases, the virus appears to be especially widespread in Eddy County.
Like many other establishments, Artesia General Hospital has had several recent COVID-19 cases among our employees.
It is important to note that the spread is not occurring at Artesia General Hospital. Extensive testing and contact tracing have proven that the employees who have tested positive have not contracted the virus at work. Evidence overwhelmingly points to the cases among hospital employees being COMMUNITY ACQUIRED.
At Artesia General Hospital, we are committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused health care for our patients. Part of that commitment is making sure the hospital is a safe place for our patients and our employees, including safety from COVID-19. To that end, from the outset of the pandemic, we instituted excellent COVID-safe practices. We have been, and continue to be, diligent in following them.
Artesia General Hospital remains a safe place, and we are committed to those who need care — including patients who test positive for COVID-19. Our employees knowingly put themselves at risk of catching the virus in order to provide quality care to patients. The kindness, bravery and commitment of our team at Artesia General Hospital are second to none.
With the heightened risk of COVID-19 in our community, we ask everyone to please be diligent in wearing a mask in public, social distancing, practicing good hand-washing, staying home whenever possible, and especially staying home if you are not feeling well!
AGH also issued the following statement regarding the re-institution of limits on visitors:
“Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our staff and patients, we are limiting visitation at the hospital and clinics due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the region. Patients under the age of 18 and those needing physical assistance will be allowed one additional person. All other patients will not be allowed visitors as this time.
