Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Visitation Policy
COVID in Henry County
Vaccination Information
COVID News & Headlines
HCMC Medical Clinics
HCHC & Plumley Rehab Information
COVID Testing
What to do if you THINK you are sick?
Quarantine Help Link
What to do if you are sick?
Nurse Leadership Roundtables
Pharmacy
Medical Records & Billing
Healthcare Heroes
Emergency Operations Plan

COVID-19 in Henry County

HCMC is dedicated to providing truthful, transparent information and report information to necessary sources as required by law.  For the latest news releases from HCMC on COVID-19, visit www.hcmc-tn.org/news.

Henry County Medical Center COVID-19 Data

This data is meant to provide a rough estimate and may differ or change as new information becomes available. Last updated September 22, 2022.

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County of OriginPositivesNegativesTotal Tested*Hospitalizations^Deaths
Henry County1,064unknownunknown239
Other574unknownunknown027
Totals1,6388,49610,134266

*This is only the tests that HCMC has done since 3/13/2020 with inpatients, through the Emergency Room, or through our drive through located outside the Emergency Department. This does not include any tests collected at other facilities, provider offices, or the health department, just those completed at HCMC.
^This only includes current hospitalizations at HCMC.

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Facility Visitation Policy

Updates made to this information on September 19th, 2022. Information is subject to change.

GENERAL VISITATION 9am-9pm

Download: Henry County Medical Center and its Medical Clinics Visitation Policy

Paris, TN – Effective September 19, 2022, Henry County Medical Center and its Medical Clinics will be masking optional for patients, visitors, and staff in non-clinical areas  This policy DOES NOT apply to Henry County Healthcare Center, which is bound by CMS regulatory guidelines related to masking and COVID-19. 

The masking optional policy is based on currently available information about COVID-19 and the current situation in the United States, which includes community transmission rate, infections identified in healthcare personnel (HCP) and volume of cases within the surrounding community.

Patients and visitors may choose to wear their own face covering in the facility.  Patient care staff will continue to mask in patient care areas in the hospital or by patient request in other settings.

HCMC continues to recommend masking for those individuals unvaccinated or partially vaccinated while in the facility.  Individuals that have fever or respiratory symptoms will be asked to remain at home, perform a COVID-19 test, and if positive stay home until day six.  Individuals must also have improving symptoms and remain fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

At Henry County Medical Center, we will continue to follow the science and take the steps necessary to protect our patients, especially the most vulnerable.  **HCMC reserves the right to re-institute mandatory masking at any time based on the status of community COVID transmission, new community outbreaks or recommendations by nationally recognized regulatory agencies.**

NON-COVID patients: Only TWO visitors at a time are allowed in a patient’s room.
Overnight stays are only approved if necessary for participation in the patient’s care. No children
under the age of 13 are allowed to visit.

COVID or suspected COVID patients: One designated visitor allowed per day. The visitor must adhere to PPE requirements of the hospital and remain in the room. Once the visitor exits the room, they may only return the following day, no re-entry allowed. Visitors may be asked to leave during certain procedures/therapies in accordance with the CDC high risk exposure guidelines. Download more information on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Visitors of COVID-19 Patients.

Entrance Locations & Hours: 

  • Emergency Department Entrance-Open 24 hours/day 7 days per week
  • Patient Parking Lot/Bridge entrance-Open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday
  • Front Circle Entrance-Open 5 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday -Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday

Same Day Surgery: Only one visitor will be allowed with a patient. Parents/Caregivers are
allowed if the patient is under the age of 18.

Outpatient Procedures: ONE support person (parents or caregivers are allowed if the patient is under
18) will be allowed to wait in the waiting room until the patient is discharged.

Main Surgery Waiting Room: Open.

Lake Haven Behavioral Unit: No visitation. Visitation is temporarily suspended due to elevator repair work.

HCMC Iris Cafe’ will continue with the current hours of operation:

Breakfast
Monday – Friday………………..7:30 am – 10:15 am
Saturday – Sunday……………..8:00 am – 10:15 am

Lunch
Monday – Friday…………………11:00 am – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday……………..11:00 am – 1:30 p.m.
*grab and go items only from 1:30 pm – 4:30 p.m.

Dinner – Closed

HCMC Pink Petal Gift Shop: Closed until further notice.

CCU/PCU Units: Visitation Hours will occur between 10 a.m.-11 a.m., 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.-
9:00 p.m. each day. Immediate family or support persons only; no visitors under the age
of 13.

  • NON-COVID patients: 2 visitors per day per patient during visitation hours
  • COVID and COVID suspected patients: One designated visitor per day during visitation hours. No re-entry allowed, PPE requirements must be adhered to at all times.

By entering the room of any patient on isolation, you are assuming the risk of contracting
communicable viruses and infectious disease. Consider alternatives such as a cell phone or video
call with loved ones if possible.

Download the most recent CCU/PCU Visitation Policy Flyer.

Emergency Department:  Masking is now optional. All visitation policies in the Emergency Room are dependent on if COVID-19 patients are in the area.

  • Only one support person may be allowed with the patient based on age and condition and must stay in the room.
  • No children under the age of 13 unless a patient.
  • Only the one support person allowed in the waiting room. No other visitors allowed.

Download the most recent Emergency Room Visitation Policy Flyer.

HCMC Diagnostic Center: Only ONE support person per OB Ultrasound patient if needed will be allowed in the Center. To protect all patients, no one under the age of 13 will be allowed in the Center unless they are the patient. Masks are optional in the Diagnostic Center. If necessary, ONE support person or caregiver will be allowed to wait in the waiting room until the exam is complete.

Download the most recent Diagnostic Center Visitation Policy Flyer.

If you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches or if you have been in any area where you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) DO NOT ENTER THIS FACILITY and potentially expose your loved one, friend, or any of the staff to this potentially deadly virus.

Download the most recent Surgery Center Visitation Policy Flyer.

HCMC Center for Wellness & Rehab: Only one visitor 18 years or older is allowed. If you have a fever or cough, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER.

Henry County Healthcare Center and Plumley Rehabilitation are open for visitation. Doors will
remain locked with entrance at the southeast lobby door for screening. Masks are Optional
for all visitors, staff, and residents. Unvaccinated residents must have scheduled visitation.
Please call 731-363-7818 for an appointment. For Assistance or information regarding our
residents, please call 731-642-5700.

HCMC Cardiac Rehab: Only one visitor 18 years or older is allowed. If you have a fever or cough, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER. HCMC Cardiac Rehab has also implemented new guidelines to keep patients safe during this time. These guidelines are as follows:

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well. If you have fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, or fatigue, please stay home.
  • No more than 10 people total are allowed in Cardiac Rehab at one time.
  • Please limit exercise to ONE hour to allow for other patients to exercise within our patient limits based on our new guidelines.
  • Continue to clean equipment before and after exercising and wash your hands with soap and water where available or hand sanitizer.

Women’s Center (OB Unit): Visiting hours are general visitation hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the following exceptions:

  • One overnight support person will be allowed with the patient, unless the patient is in labor.
  • During labor, 2 persons will be allowed. These visitors cannot be interchanged.
  • After birth of the baby and recovery is completed, 3 visitors at a time will be allowed to visit during visiting hours.
  • No visitors allowed under 13 years of age with the exception of siblings of the newborn.
  • No one with sickness will be allowed in the unit unless a patient.
  • Overnight visitors must remain in the room with the patient from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Special Care Nursery: Only 2 visitors at a time will be allowed at bedside.

  • No one with sickness will be allowed in the nursery.
  • Mother and father of the baby can visit at any time.
  • Mother and father can designate 4 persons who can visit at any time. They can take anyone off of the list if the need arises, but cannot add to the list.  These persons will be expected to follow hospital visiting hours.
  • No visitors under the age of 13.

Download the most recent Women’s Center Visitation Policy Flyer.

HCMC In Home Equipment + Supplies: HCMC In Home Equipment + Supplies, our Durable Medical Equipment Services, is currently doing business as usual delivering to client homes as well as HCMC, Provider Clinics, and HCHC & Plumley Rehab.  The retail location on East Wood Street is locked, but customers can either call 731-644-8410 for entry or they can knock on the door and someone will meet them.  If customers wish to enter the building, they will be required to wear a mask.  For those who prefer not to enter, staff can meet them at their vehicle in the parking lot of HCMC In Home Equipment + Supplies and we will deliver to the vehicle.  We do ask that you call the number ahead of time with make and model as well as date and time you plan to arrive. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with staff on-call for emergencies after hours and on the weekend.

Safety protocols put in place regarding care include, but are not limited to:

  • All individuals entering Henry County Medical Center facilities, including partners and providers, will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms including temperature checks daily.
  • All individuals entering Henry County Medical Center will be asked to wear a mask. Patients and visitors are asked to bring their own masks.
  • Six-foot social distances will continue in public areas such as waiting rooms.
  • Extra cleaning and disinfection of high-touch, public surface areas will continue.
  • Infectious patients will continue to be cared for in isolation, away from non-infectious patients.
  • Surveillance statistics of our community and regional area will be monitored for trends and stability.
  • Utilization of hospital beds, ventilators, and PPE will be monitored to ensure ability if there is a need.

In addition to safety protocols, Henry County Medical Center remains prepared to cease non-essential procedures in the event a surge or peak of COVID-19 develops in the area.

To remain prepared, HCMC will monitor its supplies and its ability to procure supplies.  HCMC will also maintain established guidelines for occupancy availability. We will continually evaluate and monitor to ensure patient safety and surveillance needs. In addition, HCMC will collaborate with the medical staff and the TN Department of Health and the Henry County Health Department to continually evaluate incidences and trends of COVID-19 cases within Henry County and the surrounding area.

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What to do if you think you are sick

COVID Testing

1. Contact your primary care doctor. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, please call your county health department so the health department can coordinate your medical evaluation and testing.

  • State of TN Number: COVID-19 Public Information Number: 877-857-2945. Available 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. CST Daily
  • Henry County Health Department: 731-642-4025     
  • Weakley County Health Department: 731-364-2210        
  • Benton County Health Department: 731-584-4944
  • Carroll County Health Department: 731-986-1990        
  • Stewart County Health Department: 931-232-5329

2. Be sure to call before visiting your doctor and tell them you might have COVID-19. When you arrive, steps will be taken to reduce exposure to other patients.

Again, if you believe you meet the criteria for the coronavirus including having the symptoms, traveling outside the United States or in the domestic hot spots associated with COVID – 19, or being in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please call your primary care provider to arrange for medical evaluation and testing.  If you present to our Emergency Department without a provider order for testing, you will be registered as an ER patient and be treated and charged as an ER patient, as well as masked and isolated. If you have an order for testing from your provider, you will be instructed to park in the ER parking lot and a clinical staff member will come out and do the testing through our outpatient lab services.

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What to do if you are sick?

1. Stay at home except for medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Do not use public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

2. Call ahead before visiting your doctor and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. Once you arrive, your provider’s team will take steps to keep others from getting infected or exposed.

3. Wear a mask when you are around other people or pets, and when going to a medical appointment.

4. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, throw away the tissue and immediately wash your hands. Cough into your elbow if tissues and hand washing are not available.

5. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Be sure to cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

6. Do not share household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with family members, friends or pets.

7. Separate yourself from your family and animals. Stay in a specific room away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom if possible. Do not handle pets or other animals.

8. Clean hard surfaces in your home, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables, daily with antibacterial/anti-germicidal solutions such as Clorox or Lysol.

9. Monitor your symptoms and report to the emergency room if you have a fever of 103 or higher or if you have difficulty breathing. Be sure to call before seeking medical care to reduce exposure to others.

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Pharmacy and Pharmacy Assistance Program

Patients who need to pick up their medications from the HCMC Pharmacy and the Paris & Henry County Healthcare Foundation Pharmacy Assistance Program can still do so.

Those needing to pick up prescriptions through the Pharmacy Assistance Program can call either 731-644-8215 and provide the day and time they plan to come to HCMC to get their medications.  Medications will be available for pick up from one of the partners with the program.  

If you have been referred to the pharmacy assistance program and need to bring in documentation for the program or meet with our staff with the program, please call 731-644-8215.

The HCMC Pharmacy is still filling prescriptions for patients and these medications can be picked up at the Pharmacy by entering either the entrance from the Patient Parking Lot Bridge or the Front Circle. If you have a fever and are coughing, remain in your car and call the hospital pharmacy at 731-644-8341 for instructions.

Prescriptions should be picked up Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Prescriptions needed on the weekend, please call the pharmacy at 731-644-8341.  

“We are here to serve you so do not hesitate to give us a call,” said Paula Bell, Director of Pharmacy.

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HCMC Medical Clinics

Updates made to information on September 19th, 2022.

Additionally, the HCMC Medical Clinics continue to have the following policies regarding visitation. Masking is optional.

Only one visitor 18 years or older is allowed within the clinics with the following exceptions:

  • Eagle Creek Clinic: One visitor at appointment and can be a child if no childcare is available due to COVID-19.
  • Paris Pediatrics: Both Parents Can Attend Well Check Visits. One visitor at appointment and can be a child if no childcare is available due to COVID-19.
  • Paris Women’s Center: One visitor at appointment including US appointments and can be a child if no childcare is available due to COVID-19.

These clinics continue to operate under normal business operations.  HCMC Medical Clinics plan to continue this course to provide the needed care for our patients in the communities we serve.

Below are the numbers to contact each Medical Clinic:

Download the most recent HCMC Medical Clinics Visitation Policy Flyer.

If you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches or if you have been in any area where you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus), DO NOT ENTER.  Call the clinic and you will be given instructions on how to proceed.  Phone numbers are listed above.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider.

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Patient Medical Health Records, Lab Results, and Paying Bills

Information updated Monday, August 9th, 2021

The process for obtaining your medical records from Health Information Management has also changed with the change in visitation. 

  • Everyone who needs medical records must contact 731-644-8432 for an appointment to pick up their records. 
  • They must present a photo ID and be prepared to sign a release for any information/records being picked up. 
  • Records being picked up by someone other than the owner of the records, will need to have a signed note and photo of the ID of the owner of the record stating they have permission to obtain their medical records.  

Our Release of Information partners will meet them in the ER circle and verify their identification and release their records to them.

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This is a rapidly evolving situation. Up-to-date information is available online:
CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
TDH: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
Resource for all State of TN information: https://tha.com/focus-areas/covid-19/

CONTENT SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR IMMUNIZATION AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES (NCIRD), DIVISION OF VIRAL DISEASES