Eureka Springs and Holiday Island have a large number of residents who are over 60, and a number of people who are over 80. Those age groups are at the highest risk for serious complications from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is showing signs of being on trajectory to a worldwide pandemic.
Very few places in the United States are prepared, Chair of the Eureka Springs Hospital commission, Dr. John House, said.
“The same can be said for every country affected so far,” House said. “As a critical access hospital, ESH does not have the resources or personnel required to treat patients with COVID-19 that is anything more than a very mild infection. Oftentimes, such patients require intubation and intensive care lasting for weeks at a time.”
House said depending on how far Covid-19 spreads, ESH may well be called upon to help offload some of the burden on hospitals in the Fayetteville metroplex.
“Should that happen, then certainly ESH will do everything possible to help,” he said. “In the meantime, ESH, following the guidelines developed by the CDC and the World Health Organization, has developed protocols to deal with COVID-19. Our emergency room staff are increasing their readiness to recognize and triage patients coming in who display symptoms.”