Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Bronson is here to protect the health of our community and to guide you and your family through the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit this page often for important updates, prevention tips and what to do if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Important Notices

**Bronson has temporary closed all Bronson FastCare^® locations starting March 27 - Learn more

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a strain of coronavirus that is easily spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets or by contact with an infected surface or object. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. COVID-19 symptoms include:

COVID-19 Bronson Information

**COVID-19 Testing through Bronson**
	Cumulative Patients
Positive	103
Negative	948
Pending	212

**COVID-19 Inpatient Data at Bronson**
	Current Positive Patients in Hospitals*	Cumulative Deaths**
Bronson Battle Creek	8	1
Bronson LakeView	0	0
Bronson Methodist	10	6
Bronson South Haven	0	0
System Total	18	7

* This is a snapshot of current inpatients with positive COVID-19
** Deaths reported do not necessarily reflect county of residence.

COVID-19 Testing Guidelines:

Who can get tested for COVID-19? Here are the current guidelines based on directions from the state and federal government:

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19

What are the signs and symptoms of coronavirus and COVID-19 infection?

Human coronaviruses infect the nose, throat and sinuses and cause cold-like symptoms: runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and sometimes a low-grade fever. The two symptoms that are most common in COVID-19 patients are fever and lower respiratory disease (cough, shortness of breath). These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Learn more about symptoms from the CDC.

I've been instructed to self-quarantine at home. What does that mean?

If you are suspected to have COVID-19, or you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 but do not need to be hospitalized, you will be instructed to quarantine yourself at home to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC provides guidance on what to do if your provider or public health official instructs you or a loved one to self-quarantine at home. Learn more.

How can I reduce my risk for COVID-19 and other viruses, like the Flu?

Handwashing: Using soap and water wash for at least 20-30 seconds. If you are using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, make sure to thoroughly cover all surfaces on your hands and let dry. Both options are equally effective.
Avoid touching your face: It’s estimated the average person touches their face at least once every two minutes. It’s especially important to avoid the T-Zone - your eyes, nose and mouth. That’s where viruses enter and leave your body.
Social distancing: If you are going to an area where there are other people, avoid those who are sick. Stay home if you are sick; cover your cough.
Facemasks: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended using a cloth facemask to cover your mouth and nose when you are around people you don’t live with or when going to a public place like a grocery store. Healthcare workers should follow instructions about the proper personal protective equipment to use when caring for patients with COVID-19 symptoms.
Immunizations: While there is not a vaccine for coronavirus yet, it’s still important to keep up to date on all your immunizations, including the annual influenza vaccine.
Follow Travel Guidelines: The CDC regularly posts travel restrictions and guidelines based on disease outbreaks, special events and natural disasters. Be sure to consult those guidelines before travel. These can change frequently as COVID-19 spreads. Take note that if you do travel to some countries, you may be required to be quarantined upon your return. Click here for CDC Travel Health Notices.

How is Bronson prepared for COVID-19?

Bronson is following the COVID-19 recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). There are some similarities with our preparations and precautions for SARS, Ebola, MERS, H1N1 influenza, and Zika so we had good plans in place for these types of situations. Bronson has a team that discusses prevention and preparation each day and monitors the latest information from the CDC. The team includes emergency preparedness members from each of our four hospitals, system infection prevention personnel and Bronson practice management. Our team is also working with state, regional and county leaders to address COVID-19 related needs.

Bronson continues to monitor our supply inventory to make sure there are enough supplies should there be a shortage due to an interruption in the supply chain.

In accordance with CDC guidelines, Bronson screens sick patients for travel history or connection with someone who recently arrived from the source areas, and we have protocols to isolate and treat suspected patients safely.

Where can I find updates on COVID-19 and policy changes at Bronson?

We try to post all of our updates on this page and on our news section.

Here are a few to be aware of:

Who is most at risk?

Older adults and those with chronic diseases and compromised immune systems. Click here for information about COVID-19 if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

I was told once that I had coronavirus, are all coronaviruses COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses, some of which infect humans and other types infect various other animals. Human coronaviruses are common and they cause upper respiratory infections that are usually not serious. They are described as common cold viruses that cause mild symptoms. COVID-19 is a different strain of coronavirus and is not the same as ordinary human coronavirus.

Are there treatments or vaccines for COVID-19 infection?

There are no FDA-approved drugs that treat coronaviruses or vaccines that prevent infection. There are some drugs being developed, but they have not been completely tested yet. Researchers are working on treatments and vaccines. We give hospitalized patients supportive care such as respiratory support, if needed, until their lungs recover from the infection.

Does Bronson accept donations of personal protective equipment, home-sewn masks or disinfecting supplies?

Due to the critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting supplies nationwide, Bronson Healthcare is asking the community for donations of specific new or unused items, as well as home-sewn face masks. Click here for more information.

I am a manufacturer with the ability to produce critically needed items. Will Bronson accept those?

If you are a manufacturer/business and have the ability to produce critically needed items, please let us know. Fill out this form, and let us know what items you’d be willing to make to donate or sell. Click here for more information.

What if I want to make a monetary donation to Bronson?

The Bronson Health Foundation Rapid Response Fund has been created to support Bronson's immediate response to the fast-moving global spread of COVID-19. Click here for more information or contact the Bronson Health Foundation at (269) 341-8100, healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org or bronsonfoundation.com.