AtlantiCare Emergency Department off Route 30 in Hammonton.
As a precautionary measure, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center set up a temporary triage tent outside its Satellite Emergency Department in the Health Park in Hammonton.
This is part of our standard plan for how we prepare to care for a possible increase in patients as a result of flu or other illnesses in an epidemic or pandemic situation, said Thomas Brabson, D.O., chairman of Emergency Services. Should we have an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms or symptoms of COVID-19, we would open the tent to screen them. We would quickly release them if they do not need further treatment. If we were to determine in this screening that a patient needed further treatment or evaluation, we would see him or her in the Emergency Department for further evaluation and or treatment.
On March 14, AtlantiCare also set up temporary tents outside its emergency departments at its Atlantic City and Mainland campus in Pomona as a precautionary measure. It has not activated use of those tents or the tent in Hammonton.
We continue to urge members of the community who are experiencing symptoms of flu-like illnesses, including fever, cough, and runny nose, to call their primary care provider, pediatrician or urgent care provider for direction before visiting any medical setting, Brabson said. This will help protect them, other patients, our healthcare providers and others in the community.
AtlantiCare has more information and resources about COVID-19 on its website www.atlanticare.org/coronavirus/.
Additionally, AtlantiCare has opened a community hotline to help address questions the community has about COVID-19, its symptoms, and the most appropriate next steps if someone is experiencing symptoms. The number is 1-888-AtlantiCare (1-888-285-2684).
