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Coronavirus Updates & Information

As of December 1, 2022 

At Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, our top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community. We continue to closely monitor the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and follow state and federal guidance as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients. As our community reopens, we want you to know all that Lake Cumberland is doing to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Lake Cumberland has your safety covered. Use the links below for additional information on COVID-19 restrictions, information, and resources.

Vaccines are available locally at Lake Cumberland Medical Associates by calling 606.451.2756.

Our team of infection preventionists, physicians, nurses and staff are using the best practices to keep our hospital and clinics safe for your visit.  We are here and ready to care for you.  It is safe to come to Lake Cumberland Physician Practices for healthcare.  

Watch: Important Information about Lake Cumberland and COVID-19

Visitor Restrictions and Screening

  • What visitor restrictions are in place at Lake Cumberland?

    Effective Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 8:00 AM:    

    • Patients will be allowed only TWO WELL visitors per day:
      • No visitors are permitted for COVID-19+ patients
      • Visitation hours are from 9 AM - 9 PM daily 
      • For visitation guidelines for Special Care Unit, please contact 606.678.3323
      • No visitors under the age of 12 are allowed. Those aged 12-16 must be acompanied by an adult 
      • For OB visits with children, please call 606.678.3322

    Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe environment for our patients and team.

  • Will I be screened upon entry?

    Visitors who have symptoms of COVID-19 including signs of respiratory infection or flu, new loss of taste or smell, or who have had close contact with a person who is positive or presumptive positive for COVID-19 SHOULD NOT enter LCPP facilities.

  • Will I be required to wear a mask?

    As of November 14, masks are OPTIONAL for patients, staff, and visitors. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness including a fever or cough, we encourage you to wear a well-fitting mask while inside the facility or stay home to avoid the risk of exposure to others. 

  • What restrictions or screenings are in place at other LCRH facilities and Lake Cumberland Physician Practices?

    As of March 23, 2022 at 8:00 AM, at Lake Cumberland Physician Practices offices, patients will be allowed only TWO WELL VISITORS with them in the facility at a time. No visitors under the age of 12. Visitors age 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

    Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe environment for our patients and team.

Vaccine Information

We know there are a lot of questions about the emerging COVID-19 vaccines. Our goal is to keep you informed as vaccines are approved and rolled out for our workforce, patients and community in the weeks ahead.  We have created a list of common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines based on current knowledge and understanding. These questions will continue to evolve with time, so we encourage you to check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.

  • Who is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? When will it be available to the general public?

    Vaccines are available locally at Lake Cumberland Medical Associates by calling 606.451.2756. 

    • We are closely following vaccination guidelines and phasing outlined by the CDC and the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Our vaccine allotments are determined by state, and we have established vaccine clinics to immediately distribute these as we receive them. 
    • Vaccine appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis following phasing guidance established by the CDC and Kentucky Department of Health. 
    • LCRH is able to administer vaccines to those in the Lake Cumberland District Health Department service area of Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne Counties 

    ACCESS A FULL LIST OF COVID-19 VACCINATION SITES FOR THE LAKE CUMBERLAND DISTRICT

    • Those who are able to leave their information with the hotline will get a phone call from Lake Cumberland staff with further instructions including the date, time, and location of their vaccination. Please be patient as it will take some time to return all calls.  
    • Walk-in appointments for COVID-19 vaccines will not be accepted at this time.
    • Our hospital call center and physician offices DO NOT have information about vaccine distribution.  Please help us keep our phone lines free for people with immediate care needs and use only the vaccine hotline for requesting appointments.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this process and work to get as many people vaccinated as possible. 

    Learn more about the State of Kentucky’s Vaccine Plan >>
    Learn more about the CDC's V-Safe After Vaccination Health Tracker >> 

  • The vaccine was produced very quickly. How do I know it is safe?

    The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is the top priority while federal partners work to make the COVID-19 vaccines. Despite what the name may suggest, “Operation Warp Speed” does not mean that manufacturers were able to skip steps or cut corners in the vaccine development process. Instead, after development of the vaccine, manufacturers took a secured risk and overlapped the study, manufacturing and distribution phases. The FDA committed to giving these vaccinations priority (not rushed) review at all phases of the studies, which helped speed up the overall process. Ongoing monitoring of vaccine effectiveness and side effect reports will continue to be evaluated by the FDA and the manufacturers.

  • If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, should I still wear a mask?

    Yes. For several reasons, a mask and other proven methods of preventing COVID-19 (hand hygiene and social distancing) are still important even after receiving the vaccine. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

  • If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, should I still get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available?

    Yes. At this time, the vaccine is recommended even if you previously tested positive for COVID-19. There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again; this is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

    Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people who have had COVID-19 greater than 90 days ago should proceed with getting the vaccine. Due to limited vaccine supply, if you have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, your likelihood of reinfection is low enough during this time period that you can wait to get the vaccine until you hit the 90-day mark after being sick.

  • Can you contract COVID-19 by getting the vaccine?

    No. The vaccine is NOT a live vaccine, and it is NOT possible to contract COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine. Some people experience side effects from the vaccine, such as headache, muscle pain, or fever – but that does not mean you have COVID-19. It means your body is working to build the necessary immunity against the virus, which is a good thing

  • What are the possible side effects/adverse events from the COVID-19 vaccine?

    The most common adverse reactions reported have been fatigue, headache, fever/chills and joint pain. This means your body is working to build the necessary immunity against the virus. 

    You can read more in Pfizer’s FDA Briefing Document about the side effects reported among the vaccine study participants.

  • Can the COVID-19 vaccine be administered to children?

    The COVID-19 vaccine is not indicated for children younger than 16 years old at this time.

  • Can the COVID-19 vaccine be administered to pregnant women?

    The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals. It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccines currently available have not been tested in pregnant women, so there is no safety data specific to use in pregnancy. Pregnant women should make an informed decision after discussing with their healthcare provider.

  • How many doses are required? If multiple, when do I get another dose?

    For both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, two doses are required. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine should be administered 21 days after the first dose. The second dose of the Moderna vaccine should be administered 28 days after the first dose. It is very important to note that the second dose must be from the same manufacturer as the first dose.

  • What should I do if I am unable to get the second dose exactly 21 days (Pfizer) or 28 days (Moderna) after the first dose?

    While it is recommended that you receive the second dose as soon as feasible after day 21 or day 28, we understand that it might not be possible to receive it on the desired date. This could be due to multiple reasons. Please keep the following in mind if you cannot receive the second vaccine dose on the desired date:

    You must receive the second dose from the same manufacturer as the first dose.

    Get the second dose as soon as possible after the desired date has passed, as it is better to get the second dose late than not at all. You will still experience the same efficacy in the long run, although you may not see the full effect of the immunity until a few weeks after the second dose.

  • How long after receiving both doses of the vaccine until it is considered effective?

    Similar to the flu vaccine, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. As a general rule, the vaccine is considered effective about two weeks after the second dose, according to the manufacturers. There is evidence that the first dose will begin providing some immunity, but it is still very important to receive the second dose for optimal results.

  • Can I choose which vaccine I get (Pfizer or Moderna)?

    We do not recommend waiting for a specific manufacturer. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have similar efficacy and potential side effects, and have shown decreased disease severity in the small numbers of study participants who contracted COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine. Both manufacturers require two doses. It is important to remember that the second dose you receive must be from the same manufacturer. Early defense is better than no defense against COVID-19.

Caring for COVID-19 Positive Patients

  • Are you currently treating patients who are positive for COVID-19?

    Yes, we are treating patients who have tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and these patients are currently in isolation at our hospital.

  • Where are these patients located within the hospital?

    Currently, all patients who have tested positive, or those who are presumptive positve, and require hospitalization, are placed in an isolated unit dedicated to COVID-19 cases, within our hospital.  Should this unit become full, our emergency plan includes the establishment of other secure and safe COVID-19 patient areas within the hospital, or in some cases, outside of the hospital, and away from patients who may be hospitalized for non-COVID-19 reasons.

  • Who is caring for COVID-19 patients?

    Dedicated teams of nurses and physicians in our COVID-19 unit and ER are caring for positive and presumptive positive COVID-19 patients.  Negative-pressure air units are in place to ensure that the airflow from these areas of the hospital remains separate from our other patient, visitor and staff areas.

  • What is an N95 mask and who should wear one?

    An N95 is a type of respirator mask that can remove particles from the air that is breathed through it. N95 are capable of filtering out all types of particles, including bacteria and viruses. An N95 is recommended only for use by healthcare personnel who need protection from both airborne and fluid hazards (e.g., splashes, sprays). These respirators are not used or needed outside of healthcare settings. In times of shortage, only healthcare personnel who are working in a sterile field or who may be exposed to high velocity splashes, sprays, or splatters of blood or body fluids should wear these masks.  N95 masks may be reused, unless soiled or wet.  (Source: CDC.gov)

  • What is a facemask and who should wear one?

    The role of facemasks, or surgical masks, is for patient source control, to prevent contamination of the surrounding area when a person coughs or sneezes.  Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a facemask until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. As of April 1, all patients, staff, and visitors will be asked to wear a mask at all times.  (Source: CDC.gov)

  • Should I wear a mask everywhere I go?

    It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.  The CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. 

    The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.  (Source: CDC.gov)

  • How are you managing PPE? Do you have enough PPE?

    While we currently have enough PPE available for our staff, we are following CDC guidance for the reuse and conservation of PPE where appropriate. The safety of our team members is always of the utmost importance to us, and we work within strict parameters for the use of medical-grade PPE for the protection of our frontline caregivers. LCRH's materials management team tracks daily usage and identifies areas of higher than expected use.  This information is then used to implement additional conservation strategies tailored to specific patient care areas such as hospital units or outpatient facilities.  Inventory tracking within our hospital also assists in confirming PPE deliveries and optimizing distribution of PPE supplies across all of our facilities.

Understanding the Coronavirus and Testing for COVID-19

  • What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

    Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

  • Are there different strains of coronavirus?

    Yes, there are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans.  

    • Four of the seven coronaviruses are very common, more mild (similar to the common cold), and most people will be infected with at least one of them in their lifetime. Healthcare providers test for these common coronaviruses routinely, and no public health measures are needed to address these common coronaviruses. People infected with the common coronaviruses can avoid passing them to others by covering their coughs and sneezes, cleaning their hands frequently and containing germs by staying home when ill. 

    • Three of the seven coronaviruses are rare and can cause more severe illness; this includes COVID-19. Testing for this virus can only be done at CDC; healthcare providers are not able to test for this virus independent of the public health department.

  • What should I do if I have traveled to an area with the infection and feel sick?

    If you have developed a fever or respiratory symptoms and believe you have had exposure to a known case or traveled to an area with community spread, isolate yourself from others in your home right away and contact your healthcare provider BY PHONE to describe your symptoms and any recent travels BEFORE going to a local healthcare facility.

  • How do I get tested for COVID-19?

    At this time, tests for COVID-19 require a provider order. Visiting a provider does not necessarily mean you need testing or that you will receive testing. Your provider will follow all appropriate guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kentucky Department of Health to determine if testing is recommended based on your symptoms and recent travel history.

  • What are the qualifications for being tested for COVID-19?

    Someone may be a candidate for testing if he or she has:

    1. A fever and cough or shortness of breath AND has been in close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case; or

    2. A fever and cough or shortness of breath and a history of travel from affected geographic areas; or

    3. A fever and cough or shortness of breath requiring hospitalization with no other source of infection.

  • Can I pick up or buy a test kit for COVID-19?

    No. At this time, tests for COVID-19 require a provider order and are not commercially available to the public.

  • What do I do if I’ve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19?

    If you have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should self-monitor for fever or symptoms of respiratory illness for 14 days. If you begin to experience fever or symptoms of respiratory illness, and they are mild enough that you can manage them at home, you should remain at home in isolation. For details about how to correctly perform home isolation, tips for managing your illness at home with family members, and guidance on when you can discontinue home isolation, please visit the CDC’s website. 

    If you are not experiencing symptoms, or you are experiencing mild symptoms you can manage at home in isolation, you do not need to seek medical care or testing.

  • I believe I have symptoms of COVID-19. What do I do next?

    I’m experiencing mild symptoms right now, but I’m worried.
    If you are experiencing fever and/or mild symptoms of respiratory illness, you can and should isolate at home during illness. For details about how to correctly perform home isolation, tips for managing your illness at home with family members, and guidance on when you can discontinue home isolation, please visit the CDC’s website.  

    Worsening symptoms – I need to see my provider.
    Be alert to any changing symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if your symptoms are getting worse. If you feel you need to visit your healthcare provider, call ahead before you arrive to tell them you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. This will allow your provider’s office staff to properly prepare for your visit and take the necessary precautions to keep others from being infected or exposed.

    Emergent symptoms – I am having difficulty breathing.
    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and notify the dispatch agent that your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms.

    Will I be tested? Your emergency medicine provider or primary physician will make this determination based on your symptoms and recent travel history. You may or may not be tested, but your provider will follow all appropriate CDC and Kentucky Department of Health guidelines.

  • How can I protect myself?

    While there is currently no vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus and those with the virus can seek medical care to relieve symptoms.  There are simple, everyday actions you can take to help prevent spreading germs that cause respiratory viruses. These include:

    • Practice social distancing.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Close contact is defined as being within approximately 6 feet, or within the room or care area, of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Close contact can also include caring for, living with, visiting or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case. Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (such as being coughed on) while not wearing recommended PPE.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

    If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

    • Stay home.
    • ​Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Guidance on Elective Surgeries and Options for Connecting with Your Healthcare Provider

Providers within the Lake Cumberland Physician Practices group are still accepting in-office appointments. Many of these practices are also now offering telemedicine visits.  Patients who are concerned they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 may also use these telemedicine appointments to help further reduce the spread of respiratory illness. Two types of telehealth visits are available: telephonic and televideo. A telephonic visit is simply a phone call with your provider and a televideo visit is a face-to-face visit through video with you provider using a video conferencing tool. 

  • To request this type of appointment, simply call your provider’s office, just as you would for an in-person visit.
  • You will be given an appointment time and instructions for the best way to connect on your computer or phone.
  • At your scheduled time, instead of coming to the office, you will call back or log in and be “checked in” by a nurse or office manager. Then you'll be transferred to your physician for the call or two-way video.

To learn more about our telemedicine offerings, please visit lakecumberlandphysicianpractices.com/telemedicine

Additional Resources and Information

A complete list of frequently asked questions and answers about COVID-19 is available on the CDC website, by clicking here.