11/24/2020

For some time now, our region has enjoyed a relative calm related to COVID-19 – with a couple of exceptions. It is fair to say that the complexion of COVID-19 in the greater Houlton region as we approach this holiday season, has recently changed significantly. In recent days, with COVID-19 testing occurring in four different locations in the greater Houlton area, we can confidently say that there are greater than 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our region. Daily testing in relatively large numbers is occurring. We are not alone in this new level of activity, as Aroostook County-wide confirmed cases now top 100. Statewide numbers are growing rapidly, and unfortunately, Statewide death rates are increasingly grim.

With the changes in the number of confirmed cases in the State, the Maine CDC recently shifted their approach to investigations and contact tracing. Now the Maine CDC will only make an initial contact to provide guidance to ensure the confirmed positive individual knows and understands information about necessary resources. Secondly, the Maine CDC will now concentrate their contact tracing efforts to enroll people who are contacts of a confirmed positive individual, with an emphasis on those individuals with the greatest number of days left in their 14-day quarantine. The Maine CDC continues to focus on the highest risk and most vulnerable Mainers.

At Houlton Regional Hospital we wish to alert the general public that as we enter this holiday season, we still must remain intensely vigilant. Masking is essential – more than ever!! Handwashing and gelling is critical. And Social Distancing remains extremely important. Make every effort to avoid unmasked contact with others. Please – this is the time, more than any other, to heed these precautions.

For more information, please check out Houlton Regional Hospital’s Website and Facebook page. There you will find regular updates on COVID-19 in our region. Thank you for your continued cooperation! At Houlton Regional – we will make every effort to provide regular updates, as time allows, to keep you informed on this most recent surge in our region.

– Shawn Anderson
CEO – Houlton Regional Hospital

Houlton Regional Hospital – Quality Care delivered by Exceptional People!

Pictured above  are Houlton Regional Hospital’s CEO, Shawn Anderson and Chief Operating Officer, Gina Brown, RN. They have placed this banner in honor and recognition of all the HEROES working at Houlton Regional Hospital.  COVID-19 has brought many challenges and they both feel the staff here have worked diligently and stayed strong for our patients and the community; and faced those challenges one by one with courage that is to be admired. Shawn and Gina hope when you see this banner you are as proud of the work being done here as they are!

Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing an increase in community transmission.

If you have been notified that you or your child have been exposed to Covid19 please quarantine for 14 days from the date of the exposure.

If you are having symptoms please contact your Medical Provider’s office regarding testing for Covid-19. Testing is important but it does not need to be done urgently and will be scheduled by appointment.  However, if you are having severe symptoms of Covid19 please notify and go to the Emergency Department for an evaluation.

Testing can also be conducted on people not having any symptoms, it is best to wait until at least 5 days have passed since the date of your exposure.

If you test positive, please continue to quarantine and alert your close contacts. Please remember you also need to quarantine even if your test is negative for 14 days from the date of your last contact with a known positive person.  

If you do not have a provider here at Houlton Regional or need weekend testing, KVHC is available by appointment at 538-3700, our local Walgreens is also testing patients by appointment. Appointments are made on line at https://Walgreens.com/covid19testing 

Every person should monitor themselves daily for signs of illness, including taking temperatures, as this can help detect illness before going to work, school, or out into the community.

Anyone you encounter could potentially be infected. Please follow the recommended guidance on wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands, staying home if you are sick, avoiding large gatherings and any unnecessary travel.

Other testing options are the states sponsored swab and send sites, they can be found at Get-Tested-COVID19.org.

The Portland jet port also offers testing to anyone by appt. https://covidtestforme.com/jetport They offer free send out tests or a 1 hour Rapid tests for 25.00.

At this time we are still asking for everyone to call ahead to request Medical Record Forms. Please call 521-2212. Arrangements will made for pick up, or they can be mailed or faxed. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Houlton Regional Hospital fully supports the philosophy that family visitation is important to the patient’s recovery and well-being, but due to the Pandemic our visitation remains limited.

• Inpatients may have one designated visitor
• Visits may occur anytime  between 1:00pm and 6:00pm
• Visitors must be at least 18 years of age
• Visitors must gel hands, wear a mask, and be screened at the door for signs of illness
• Visitors will be given a sticker with their name, the date, and room number they are authorized to visit.
• Exceptions may be made for visitors of Comfort Care patients and LDRP patients.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we strive to keep HRH a safe place for all who need our services!

Houlton Regional Hospital CEO Shawn Anderson said, “What we’re doing is working. Social distancing, hand washing and hand gelling, and masking are clearly making a positive difference in the spread of coronavirus in Maine. Just because our spread is the lowest in the nation, isn’t cause to ease up on what we’re doing. Let’s keep up the momentum!”

Houlton Regional Hospital
Quality Care delivered by Exceptional People

Today’s Covid-19 Statistics by State

Houlton Regional Hospital
Quality Care delivered by Exceptional People

Houlton Regional Hospital is prepared to keep Caregivers, Patients and the Community Safe DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

As Caregivers at Houlton Regional Hospital continue to be prepared for COVID-19 treatment and screening, our steadfast commitment to safely caring for our Patients, our Staff, and our Medical Staff is our top priority. Houlton Regional Hospital has formed a specialized Pandemic (COVID-19) Response Team, consisting of Infection Control, Emergency Care, Hospital Leadership, Nursing Leadership, Medical Staff Leadership, Facilities, Safety and Security that has been working closely with the Maine CDC and is prepared for any potential case of COVID-19 presenting at the hospital. At present, we ask that each person coming to Houlton Regional Hospital please put on a protective mask prior to entering the hospital. 

Need A Mask?

CLICK HERE for easy instructions on how to make a facemask

What Type of Mask Do You Need?

(Information from the Maine CDC)

HRH Local Pandemic Line for a recorded update:
(207) 521-2210

Maine CDC resources for COVID-19 information:
* Contact 211 Maine for answers to frequently asked questions on COVID-19
* Dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695)
* Text your ZIP code to 898-211
* Email info@211maine.org
* 211 is TTY and Video Relay accessible if calling from Maine
* Visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus
* Maine Crisis Hotline number for people having a hard time to cope with the current situation (1-888-568-1112)