Greetings,
Monday we lifted the requirement that people wear masks in healthcare settings following the executive order from the Governor, which aligned the state’s COVID-19 guidelines with those of the CDC.
It seems like such a small thing, but after two and a half years, employees, visitors and our patients are glad to not wear masks every day. We have appreciated the support of our community and its mask compliance when in our facilities.
Masks will continue to be available in all of our facilities if you wish to wear one and feel you may be contagious. If you don’t see a supply at the front door, please ask the registration staff for a mask. They are happy to provide one to you.
With the mask policy change, comes other changes. We will no longer test all patients for COVID-19 upon admission unless we suspect they may be contagious. This allows the nursing and support staff to take the appropriate precautions when necessary. Visitors with confirmed COVID-19 or similar symptoms should defer visiting patients for non-urgent reasons.
If you feel ill, we continue to provide COVID-19 testing at the Mattoon Walk-In Clinic. Please call 217 238-3000 in advance for an appointment from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
Additionally, the Bivalent booster vaccine is available at the Walk-In clinics in Mattoon, Charleston (no appointment necessary) and in Effingham by appointment from 1 to 6 pm on Thursdays. Please bring your vaccination card. This booster can be administered two months after the last vaccine received, and 90 days after having COVID-19. It is intended for people at least 12 years old and will provide protection for the various strains.
We’ve come a long way since March 2020 when we had our very first COVID-19 case diagnosed at SBL. It was a time of uncertainty. Since then, we have taken care of several hundreds of people with COVID-19 and have learned so much more. We train for these types of things, but nothing can truly prepare you for all twists and turns this pandemic brought. We are blessed to have an incredibly dedicated workforce that made things as normal as possible. Our mission is to always provide exceptional care for all, and that is our promise to you!
You will never know the depth of our gratitude to our community that showed us so much love, support and appreciation during this difficult time. The countless gifts of food fed our bodies, while the parade around our building and all the many acts of kindness over the years replenished our souls.
Many thanks for your generosity and kindness,
Kim Uphoff
SBL President & CEO