AtlantiCare has set up temporary triage tents outside three of its location in preparation for an influx of patients.A tent was set up Tuesday outside its Satellite Emergency Department at its Health Park in Hammonton.There already were tents outside its emergency departments in Atlantic City and the Mainland Campus in Galloway Township."This is part of our standard plan for how we prepare to care for a possible increase in patients as a result of flu or other illnesses in an epidemic or pandemic situation," said Thomas Brabson, D.O., chairman of AtlantiCare's Emergency Services."Should we have an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms or symptoms of COVID-19, we would open the tent to screen them," Brabson said. "We would quickly release them if they do not need further treatment. If we were to determine in this screening that a patient needed further treatment or evaluation, we would see him or her in the Emergency Department for further evaluation or treatment."
Members of the community who have symptoms include fever, cough and runny nose are urged to contact their primary care provider, pediatrician or urgent care provider before visiting a medical setting, Brabson added."This will help protect the, other patients, out healthcare providers and others in the community," he said.For information and resources about COVID-19, go to www.atlanticare.org/coronavirus
AtlantiCare also has set up a community hotline to address questions about COVID-19, its symptoms and the steps those experiencing symptoms should take at 888-AtlantiCare (888-569-1000).
