Coronavirus Information From Samaritan

Your Health & Safety Are Our Highest Priorities

While patient health and safety and strict infection-prevention measures have always been the standard at Samaritan Health Services, some practices have been enhanced.

There are many precautions we take to ensure our facilities are safe and clean, including face mask requirements, requiring visitors and staff are free of COVID-19 symptoms or recent exposure, and even more frequent deep cleaning and disinfecting. 

Face Masks Required When Visiting Our Facilities

Face mask requirements are in place in all Samaritan facilities where health care is provided, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, etc.

Patients and visitors must wear medical-grade masks when in Samaritan facilities. Patients and visitors may wear their own medical-grade face masks – often known as procedure masks or surgical masks, N95s or KN95s as long as the masks are well fitting and do not have valves.

Bandanas, gaiters, face shields and cloth face masks are no longer allowed in Samaritan facilities. 

If a patient or visitor does not have a well-fitting, medical-grade face mask, one will be provided to them. 

Well-fitting is defined as fitting snugly around the nose, over the mouth and under the chin.

 

For hospital inpatients, face masks may only be removed if:

  • The patient is actively eating or drinking and is physically distant – at least six feet – from anyone who does not live in the patient’s household. 
  • The patient is alone in a private room. 
  • The patient is physically distant – at least six feet – from others in a shared room.
  • The care being provided to the patient cannot be done with a mask on.

For outpatients, such as in Samaritan’s clinics and laboratories, face masks must be worn the entire time they are in the building and may only be removed if the care being provided cannot be done with a mask on. 

Exemptions to these masking requirements include children younger than 2 years old, patients whose clinician has determined that they cannot wear a mask due to shortness of breath, and patients who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. 

The CDC has also recommended N95s, KN95s or medical-grade surgical masks for the best protection for use by the public. Learn more from the CDC.

Symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients who have any known coronavirus symptoms such as fever, chills or shaking; cough or sore throat; shortness of breath; muscle aches or pains; loss of smell or taste; headache or any cold or flu-like symptoms are asked to call their primary care provider or visit a Samaritan walk-in clinic to be assessed and routed to appropriate testing and care.

Learn about COVID-19 testing. 

If you have severe symptoms or are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

Telehealth Options Available

Samaritan has expanded telehealth options, using the internet, a smart device or telephone for health care visits when appropriate. 

A broad range of services are being offered via telehealth. Your health care team will help decide whether telehealth is right for you.

MyChart E-Visits

For an E-Visit, you will need to have a MyChart account and reside within the state of Oregon at the time of the E-visit. If you do not have a MyChart account, this can be setup at samhealth.org/MyChart.

Video Visits

You will need a smartphone or tablet with internet connectivity to download an app onto your device. Instructions will be included in the appointment invite sent by your Samaritan clinic.

Telephone Visits

In some cases, Samaritan may be able to conduct visits by telephone, if MyChart E-visits or video visits are not feasible.

To start a telehealth visit, begin the process by requesting an E-Visit using MyChart or by calling your primary care provider. Your health care team can help you decide whether an E-Visit, video or phone visit will be best for your health concern.

Learn More

Prevention Tips

Getting vaccinated (and boosted) is your most powerful defense against COVID-19.

If you or someone you live with are at high risk of severe disease from COVID-19, it is still important to take steps to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect your loved ones and yourself. 

  • Wear a face mask when in public spaces indoors, or when you are indoors with people from outside your household, especially if they are unvaccinated, at high risk, or immunocompromised. See the CDC’s guidance on choosing a face mask.
  • Avoid large groups and spending time with groups in indoor spaces - well-ventilated and outdoor spaces are recommended.
  • Avoid contact with sick people and stay home if you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Practice physical distancing - at least 6 feet apart from others is recommended.

News From Samaritan

All Updates

See our latest coronavirus-related news for Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, Newport, Lincoln City and surrounding areas.

Oregon Health Authority

The health and safety of our patient and communities are our highest priorities. Samaritan Health Services and other area health care providers are working closely with federal, state, county and local agencies to respond to COVID-19.

For up-to-date information on coronavirus in Oregon, visit healthoregon.org/coronavirus or call 211.