Middlesex Health Opens External Evaluation Site

March 21, 2020
Front door to Emergency Department at Middlesex Hospital.

On March 21, the Middlesex Health Emergency Department on Crescent Street in Middletown began evaluating individuals with respiratory symptoms outside of the hospital’s doors. This is being done to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

With the exception of patients arriving at Middlesex Hospital by ambulance, all patients arriving at the Emergency Department will be asked about their symptoms outside of the building. Those who are not experiencing respiratory symptoms will go directly into the Emergency Department for care. Those with respiratory symptoms will be evaluated in an area outside of the Emergency Department entrance.

Middlesex Health is now testing for COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, outdoors. At this time, Middlesex Health is only providing COVID-19 testing to the following members of the public:

  • Individuals who are seriously ill, exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, and require admission to the hospital
  • Individuals from congregant housing, such as nursing homes and shelters

Regardless of where you are evaluated at the Middlesex Health Emergency Department, you will still receive high quality, compassionate care. Middlesex Health continues to provide care regardless of your illness.

This new way of helping possible or confirmed COVID-19 patients has been approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. For answers to frequently asked questions on the state of Connecticut’s actions related to COVID-19, click here.

About COVID-19

The coronavirus is very contagious. Symptoms may include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, and it is spread through close contact with infected individuals in the same way the seasonal flu spreads each year.

If you do get sick, or if you are exposed to the coronavirus, it is very important to take steps to minimize the spread of the disease.

Before deciding to go to an urgent care center or an emergency department, call your primary care provider. They will help you determine the most appropriate next steps, which may include simply staying home until you feel better and isolating yourself.

For more information about COVID-19, as well as important updates from Middlesex Health, please visit MiddlesexHealth.org/ready.

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