Coronavirus (COVID-19)

01/18/2021

Day Kimball Healthcare Responds to Coronavirus
Day Kimball Healthcare is committed to bringing our community the latest information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and is responding to any cases in our area. Learn more >

DKH has been following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CT Department of Public Health (DPH). As with any new infection, information and recommendations are changing frequently. For the latest information, read more on the CDC website and the DPH website.

Learn more about DKH's response to COVID-19:

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccine Phases, Eligibility and Timelines

Visitor Restrictions at Day Kimball

Returning to Care at Day Kimball

Symptoms, and Ways to Protect Yourself and Others

Donate PPE

COVID-19 Testing

Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) offers drive-thru testing for COVID-19 in Putnam for its patients who have a valid doctor's order. Testing is offered for both pediatric and adult patients. For important requirements for testing by DKH, click here >

DKH Drive-Up Test Site
Location: Day Kimball Healthcare Center, 6 South Main Street, Putnam, CT | Get directions >
Hours: Monday - Friday, 2:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Patients without a doctor's order can get their tests done at other locations in the community that offer the service. Learn more >

Get Your COVID-19 Vaccines at DKH

Day Kimball Healthcare is pleased to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the communities we serve.

As the state rollout continues, Day Kimball will update you as new information becomes available.

To book an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, click here >

Vaccine Eligibility

Beginning April 1st, all individuals 16 years of age and older who live, work, or attend school in Connecticut are eligible to receive vaccine.

Connecticut residents age 16
Employees who work in Connecticut who are 16
Students attending school in-person in Connecticut who are 16

For more information of eligibility requirements, click here >

Please be patient. Until a vaccine is available to everyone, it is important to continue wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing basic hand hygiene.

Don't Delay Your Care. It's Safe to Come to Day Kimball Healthcare.

If you have recently had to put off visits with your doctor, screenings, surgeries, exams, or other health appointments, now is the time to get caught up.

We understand you might be fearful about going to the doctor's office or hospital. That's why Day Kimball Healthcare has taken extra safety precautions to provide the care you need and help you return to care. Learn more >

General Public

DKH requests that you call your healthcare provider first for guidance if you believe you may have coronavirus. Especially if you are experiencing moderate-to-severe respiratory symptoms or if you have been in close contact with a person known to have coronavirus.

Patients with Appointments

If you have an upcoming appointment and are experiencing a fever, cough and shortness of breath, call the office BEFORE coming in. We are offering Telehealth services for many outpatient appointments. Learn more >

Safety First

For everyone's safety, we are screening all patients coming in for appointments for the coronavirus. You will be asked about symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, and if you've been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. You'll also have your temperature checked.

When arriving at our facilities you'll see signage directing you to STOP and to evaluate yourself; to stay outside and to call us if necessary. You will be asked to wear a mask and/or to return to your vehicle. You may also need to be evaluated OUTSIDE of our facilities in a protected area for your own safety and the safety of others. If you have any questions or concerns, call your healthcare provider.

Visitation Restrictions at Day Kimball Healthcare

To protect patients, visitors and staff, last year in March 2020, DKH announced the implementation of temporary visitation restrictions to curtail foot traffic at Day Kimball Hospital, and expanded temporary visitation protocols to its Day Kimball Medical Group (DKMG) and outpatient sites.

Day Kimball Hospital
Effective January 13, 2021, DKH is restricting visitors to all Hospital departments and waiting areas. The following visitation restrictions have been updated:

Unchanged: Obstetric inpatients will be allowed one designated accompanying adult person, age 18 during their stay. Read the full policy here >

Pediatric operating room or emergency department patients will be allowed only two designated (one is preferred) accompanying adults, age 18 and up during their stay.
Adult emergency department, Ambulatory Care Unit, or operating room patients may be allowed one accompanying adult (age 18 and up) on rare occasions at the discretion of the nurse manager or provider during their stay.
Hospice patients or Comfort Measures Only patients will be allowed visitors at the discretion of nursing leadership; one adult (age 18 and up) visitor at a time.
Patients with outpatient testing and procedures may be allowed one accompanying adult (age 18 and up) at the discretion of the technician or provider.
Hematology/Oncology patients may be allowed one accompanying adult (age 18 and up) on rare occasions at the discretion of the nurse manager or provider during their appointment.

Exceptions will also be considered for individuals with developmental, physical, mental and/or other disabilities.

In very limited circumstances, exceptions may be made to this visiting policy at the discretion of clinical staff. These temporary accompaniment restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Read more >

Day Kimball Medical Group
All patients with an appointment at any Day Kimball Medical Group (DKMG) primary care or specialty care office may be accompanied by one adult only. Children under 18 may not accompany patients or family members to the DKMG office unless the child is the patient. Read more >

Ancillary Services at Outpatient Sites
Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 patients with outpatient testing and procedures at outpatient sites will be allowed one designated accompanying adult person, age 18.

All accompanying persons, either at the Hospital or at any DKMG office will be screened for risk factors for COVID-19, and only permitted in the hospital or office if deemed low risk. If an accompanying person has risk factors, or shows symptoms of illness, an alternate person must be identified, as this person will not be allowed in the hospital or office. Exceptions to this visiting policy will be made in very limited circumstances at the discretion of DKH medical leadership. Exceptions will also be considered for individuals with developmental, physical, mental and/or other disabilities.

Volunteer Services
All volunteer support services across the Day Kimball Healthcare system are suspended until further notice. Read more >

Symptoms

People who have been exposed may not exhibit symptoms for 2 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms can include:

Fever | Cough & chills | Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

If you’re experiencing moderate-to-severe respiratory symptoms and have traveled recently, call your healthcare provider immediately. People who are older or have existing medical conditions may be at higher risk of serious illness.

Protect Yourself

Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, you can take everyday precautions to reduce your risk of infection for this disease and others:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel
Wear a face mask
Maintain physical distances of 6 feet or more
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home if you're sick