HOISINGTON — Clara Barton Hospital is taking immediate measures to halt the spread of COVID-19 after four employees tested positive for the virus, according to a letter from President/CEO Jim Blackwell on Tuesday. 

“Immediate steps have been taken to stop the advance of a COVID-19 exposure, by isolating those that have come into close contact,” he stated in a letter to the community. The four employees that tested positive are currently recovering at home. “An additional small segment of staff has been identified as having possible exposure and have also been quarantined to their homes. These employees are true heroes for stepping into harm’s way, without hesitation for the patients they serve.”

Hospital staff is working closely with Barton County Health Department Director Karen Winkleman on an aggressive plan to immediately stop the virus, and immediately returned to the full screening process for employees and patients entering the hospital and clinics. 

“The ‘NO VISITOR’ policy will also be reinstated until further notice. While our regular patient appointments will remain available with enhanced screening and safety measures, patients may continue to choose our telehealth visits from the convenience of their home,” Blackwell stated. 

A lab fair scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 24 & 25, has been postponed to a later date, which is yet to be announced. 

“We truly are grateful for the trust and support of our community members in Barton County. We ask that you continue to strengthen your safety measures while out in the public as suggested by the Barton County Health Department, KDHE and CDC,” Blackwell said.