Gerber Memorial Opens Special Tent Outside Emergency Department to Triage Incoming Patients for COVID-19 Symptoms

March 27, 2020

FREMONT, Mich., March 26, 2020—Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is taking additional steps to care for the community and keep patients and team members safe by opening a COVID-19 triage tent as an extension of its emergency department. The tent is scheduled to open to the public on Monday.

Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is opening a triage tent outside its Emergency Department. The tent is scheduled to be open to the public starting on Monday, March 30.

In accordance with the CDC, Spectrum Health recommends those with mild COVID-19 symptoms stay home and self-quarantine.

When the tent is in use, patients coming to the emergency department will be met by a team member who will help them navigate to either the main ED entrance, through the COVID-19 tent entrance. Patients entering the COVID-19 tent will be asked to wear a mask and sanitize hands, which will provide the safest means for staff to offer service while avoiding unnecessary exposure.

“Gerber Memorial’s triage tent can help protect patients, by ensuring people with non-COVID-19 conditions can still access our emergency services while keeping them separate from people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and who will still need care,” said Gerber Memorial Interim Market Leader and Chief Operating Officer Shelly Johnson. “Our triage tent is part of our effort at Gerber Memorial to get ready during this pandemic and we are prepared to meet our community’s needs.”

Patients will be evaluated by an emergency department provider. Those with mild symptoms, no breathing difficulties and stable vital signs will be directed home and provided education on COVID-19 care. People with mild symptoms should stay home and self-quarantine, watching for worsening symptoms. If you are concerned about your symptoms, call for a free phone screening at 616.391.2380.

People coming to the emergency department triage tent will be charged for the visit. Most insurers have indicated they will waive the charges for screening so future reimbursement is expected.

For more information about COVID-19, including information on symptoms and prevention, visit www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19.