TULLAHOMA — Having a family member or friend face an uncertain medical situation is stressful under any condition. The need for social distancing to protect others only complicates that.

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Harton Hospital (Tennova Healthcare) will alter their visitation guidelines until further notice. Visiting hours will be limited and all visitors must pass a health screen before entering the hospital. Also, all visitor must be over the age of 16.

Hospital officials will lock the main entrance at 7 p.m. each weekday. On weekends, the only entry into the building will be through the Emergency Department entrance.

Additionally, all patients are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors. If a physician determines any patient meets the criteria, they will order testing, according to the hospital’s website.

They also remind the public that should you develop mild symptoms, the best course of action is to stay quarantines inside your home. Only patients with severe symptoms and difficulty breathing should seek care. Elderly patients and those who are immunocompromised should also seek care as soon as possible.

As of Thursday at 2 p.m., there were no confirmed cases in Coffee County. •

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