News From SIH

Dr. Sarah Altamimi, an infectious disease physician at Southern Illinois Healthcare, knows a good way you can protect yourself from COVID-19: Stop wearing vinyl or latex gloves in public. “Wearing gloves does not add any level of security or protection, and it might add harm,” Altamimi said.

Infectious disease experts say, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, you should leave your gloves at home the next time you run an errand. "We do not recommend the public wears gloves when they're outside--especially in the supermarket or anywhere else," said Doctor Sarah Altamimi with SIH. "Wearing gloves just adds a false security sense that you are not really benefiting from at all."

On Friday, Southern Illinois Healthcare unveiled new remote health care options for people living in southern Illinois. Using remote communication platfor Webex, Dr. Matthew Winkleman of Harrisburg discussed ways patients at SIH Primary Care Harrisburg may communicate with health care providers through video visits.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended universal mask wearing to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. Dr. Matthew Winkleman, a primary care physician with SIH, said mask wearing is especially critical in situations where social distancing is more difficult.

GLOVES FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. Is wearing rubber gloves while out in public effective in protecting you from the Corona virus?

Southern Illinois Healthcare announced last week that SIH Medical Group is now conducting video visits for outpatient visits. Dr. Matt Winkleman, of SIH Primary Care in Harrisburg, explained that government restrictions on telemedicine were recently loosened, which opened different types of platforms for medical visits.

Social distancing and concerns over COVID-19 are prompting many hospitals to cancel elective procedures, but many patients still need to see their doctors. Doctor Matt Winkleman has been on the front lines for SIH in the fight against the coronavirus. He says in the last week they've made major strides in taking their effort to serve more patients online. Telehealth has become a necessary alternative for patients and local health care providers.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday extended Illinois' stay-at-home order through May 30, with some modifications. One of those modifications includes requiring face coverings for everyone in indoor public places and in places where people can't maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

SIH is requires everyone - employees, patients and visitors - to wear masks while in one of its hospitals or clinics. The new policy comes as Governor Pritzker announces a modified stay at home order that will require people wear a face mask or covering when in public indoor spaces. Francis Murphy, General Manager of the Neighborhood Co-Op Grocery store in Carbondale, says he's seen in increase in customers wearing masks.

CARBONDALE — Among the many items essential healthcare workers rely upon to keep them safer during the COVID-19 pandemic is a clear, plastic shield that fits on their head, covering their faces. And, like other items, face shields are running in short supply. Faculty at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are pitching in to help solve the local shortage.