HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —
Decatur Health Officials are concerned about having enough gear for health workers to fight the coronavirus.
A new drive-thru clinic opened in Hartselle that’s been increasing testing capability and testing patients with physician’s orders.
Health officials say they’re happy with that--but, worried about something else…
There’s been a nation-wide shortage of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE. Decatur Health officials say they’re feeling the impact. It's a big concern because health workers are risking a lot during this time.
Anita Walden, Decatur Morgan Hospital's Chief Nursing Officer says, “Every day, countless doctors, nurses, technicians and support services of Decatur/ Morgan leave their homes and their families to protect those in need.”
At this time, we’re told Decatur City PPE supply is adequate.
But, by putting new measures in place like eliminating visitation, and grouping tasks for patients into one visit instead of several-- they’re conserving equipment.
DECATUR CITY SCHOOLS UPDATE:
Decatur City Schools Superintendent, Michael Douglas, gave details on what parents can expect with the new school curriculum, since kids won’t physically be heading back to the classrooms this year.
City of Decatur Schools are technically on Spring Break starting Friday.
The break goes until April 6th. But, after the 6th, Students from third to second grade will be back in school-- digitally.
Pre-K through second grade students will receive what officials describe as “take home packets”.
Officials say they won’t comment on graduation ceremonies for seniors until after June 5th-- the date given by the state.
But, officials say they are putting guidelines in place that are different from the ones during the closure. Michael Douglas, Decatur City Schools Superintendent, says, “During the closure, the state superintendent said ‘the work that we’re pushing out is optional’. Starting April 6, we aren’t working under that “optional”. So, we’re gonna do the very best to cover all the things that we’ve covered.”
Decatur City Schools says the goal is to make sure all the state “benchmark” topics are efficiently taught. We're told there is also a plan in place for special needs students.
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