CHICO, Calif. - Enloe said it has begun new protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Butte County and they've have opened an information hotline.

The measures follow recommendations from CDC, Butte County Public Health and other agencies.

Changes include expanding the pre-screening of patients and visitors, a practice they began last week. This was to help identify those with respiratory systems so they may take the required precautions.

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, the hospital will practice the following:

• The North Entrance, which is the surgery entrance on Magnolia at West Sixth Avenue, will be closed.
• All patients and visitors will be pre-screened for respiratory symptoms before entering the building.
• Patients with respiratory symptoms will be directed to the Emergency Department Entrance.
• All other patients and visitors, emergency or otherwise, will be directed to the Main Entrance.

Also on Wednesday, the hospital will implement a new temporary visitation policy to protect patients and staff. The hospital said this policy is subject to change.

“We know that visitation from family or loved ones has a proven impact on our patients’ physical healing and emotional well-being,” said Mike Wiltermood, CEO and President of Enloe Medical Center. “For those reasons, we will not eliminate visitation altogether unless directed to do so by county, state or federal agencies.”

The hotline will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and will provide updates on how to stay safe and seek medical attention. For those updates and information, call (530) 332-9540.

You can also find information from Enloe, HERE.