LAMC CEO John Whiteside

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Medical Center CEO John Whiteside spoke this morning with the Los Alamos Daily Post about the novel coronavirus (COVID–19) issue.

He echoed what Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday when she issued a public health emergency: Remain home (“self-isolate”) if you are sick and exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19 call the Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline at 1.855.600.3453.

Do not go to the hospital or doctor’s office … call the Coronavirus Hotline at 1.855.600.3453 for instructions.

“In an effort to limit exposure to staff, both Los Alamos Medical Center and MANNM (Medical Associates Of Northern New Mexico) have signs on our doors advising people who are exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19 not to come inside but rather to call the Coronavirus Hotline,” Whiteside said. “We also are referring people to the CDC website www.cdc.org for the most up to date information on COVID-19.

Whiteside explained that LAMC treats sick patients every day and is prepared and following the CDC guidelines.

“We are continuing to work closely with New Mexico Department of Health and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure our hospital is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19),” Whiteside said.

For more information on this issue, contact the New Mexico Department of Health at cv.nmhealth.org or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. These are the most reliable sources of updated information on this rapidly evolving situation.