KANE — UPMC officials issued a release Thursday highlighting policies and the current efforts in place to protect patients from COVID-19.

“We are continually gauging current conditions, the needs of our patients, and predictions about future demands on our health system, and we are rapidly adjusting our services and our plans based on science and facts,” the release stated.

Currently, no inpatient visitors at UPMC hospitals, including UPMC Kane, are allowed. The emergency department entrance is the only point of entry for anyone entering the hospital, including staff.

Other visitation policies include:

Additionally, all visitors, patients, and staff will be screened upon entry to any UPMC hospital. Visitors, patients, and staff entering a facility will be asked a series of COVID-19 screening questions, and temperatures will be taken. Masks will be offered each individual.

At this time and until further notice all walk-in visits at hospital-based clinics are suspended. Patients are asked to call their physician offices.

Virtual visits are expected to start next week, which will reduce potential public exposure while still providing access to high quality care. Contact your physician offices to learn how you can receive care from home.

People who suspect they have COVID-19 but do not have a high fever or breathing problems should call their primary care physician or use their provider’s virtual visit options to get advice. Providers will refer patients to the local UPMC infection prevention team and, if the patient meets screening criteria, an appointment will be scheduled to have their specimen collected for testing at a UPMC outpatient testing center at a collection site in Erie, Jamestown or Pittsburgh.

Anyone whose sample is taken should self-isolate until results come back. If it is positive, UPMC will refer the patient to public health authorities and ensure ongoing care.

For complete information on COVID-19, please visit upmc.com/coronavirus.