COVID-19 Update from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center

This week, Dr. Elizabeth Dunmore, Memorial’s Chief Medical Officer, shares an update about COVID-19 cases at the hospital as well as an update on the COVID vaccinations and holiday safety.

As of 12.18.2020:

As reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, cases of COVID-19 have increased in Cambria County in recent weeks, and with the documented increase in confirmed positive cases, hospitals in our region, including Memorial, have seen an expected increase in hospitalizations.

Currently, Memorial is treating more than 90 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in our hospital; this is an increase from our last update.

We can confirm that we have received an initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccines and are in the process of distributing them in accordance with prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal government and our state. Vaccine administration has begun today, with our Frontline Healthcare workers. Once the vaccine becomes more broadly available, we strongly encourage our community to get vaccinated. Conemaugh Health System is pleased to be taking this next exciting step toward ending the pandemic and advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier.

Get Vaccinated for Flu Season

Memorial wants to ensure that our community understands how to fight preventable diseases, including influenza (flu). We urge the community to get a flu vaccination. It is the single-best way to protect yourself from the influenza virus. While it is still possible to contract the flu after getting vaccinated, it is much less likely; and should you get sick, studies show that flu vaccinations can make your illness less severe. As we continue to address challenges posed by the COVID 19-pandemic, it has never been more important to be proactive about your health.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes it is possible to test positive for flu (as well as other respiratory pathogens) and the virus that causes COVID-19 at the same time.

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center reminds the public to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask or face covering in public, in addition to practicing social distancing and proper hand hygiene.

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center continues to take all the necessary precautions to protect our patients and staff from COVID-19, including limiting entry points to the facility, screening all individuals for symptoms of COVID-19, universal masking and maintaining a strict zero-visitation protocol.

For additional information about the hospital’s preparation and response to COVID-19, visit Conemaugh.org.