West Central Reporter

McDonough District Hospital (MDH) is cutting back on its restrictive policy for COVID-19 testing after receiving orders from the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

“There is no proper treatment for the virus. All that can be done is to treat the symptoms," Ed Card, chief medical officer, told the MDH Board of Directors on Monday. "We’ve asked most positive cases to self-isolate and treat themselves as needed."

Card said anyone ill will be screened for the coronavirus, according to the McDonough County Voice. 

“Anyone acutely ill was admitted. Anyone else was sent home and told they could come back the next day with permission of their primary care provider for testing," Card said. "Now testing is available to anyone but we will use the nurse hotline to advise people on whether they should be tested."  

MDH Board Chairman Dr. Richard Iverson said there isn't unlimited testing, according to the McDonough County Voice. 

“We’ve had to use rather strict measures, but IDPH has thrown the doors open as of the weekend. The amount of testing that can be done is not adequate," Card said in response to Iverson. 

It takes three days to receive coronavirus test result, Card said. 

Wanda Foster, the vice president of nursing, told board members that an incident command center was implemented at MDH in March to help with coronavirus threat responses. Foster is the incident commander, and Adrian McGregor, the command center liaison, has also bee involved in legislative contacts. 

“COVID has taken over our primary jobs,” MDH CEO Brian Dietz told the McDonough County Voice. “We get FEMA updates every day from Mayor Mike Inman.”

And while there is a demand for personal protection equipment, Foster said the community has been donating goods to MDH. 

“We’ve had a wonderful outpouring from the community with home made masks,” she said.