There have been many reasons to be hopeful that the COVID-19 pandemic is nearing its end.
Between the number of new cases remaining low for the last several weeks, and the fact that the number of patients that have recovered continues to rise, many people are viewing the one-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic as the real beginning of the end.
That being said, Steve Little, the new CEO of Holy Family Memorial in Manitowoc said we are not out of the woods just yet. “While we are very hopeful of what the future holds…we are still in a pandemic,” Little said. “The number of people that are getting vaccinated in Manitowoc OCUnty is rising every day, but we still have a ways to go.”
As far as hospital protocols are concerned, Little said that until a majority of the County is vaccinated, they will continue to adhere to safety protocols. “There are so many unknowns about this disease, and so many mysteries behind it, with new variants coming about and so on, so we have to be cautious of that,” Little explained. ”At the same time, as we garner a greater percentage of our population becoming vaccinated, we will start to ease, as it relates to Holy Family.
Then you will see other things within the state and federal government easing to bring life back to normal.”
We asked Little about the visitor protocol at the local hospital. Previously, no visitors were allowed, but that has since changed. As of right now, two family members are allowed to visit patients. As for what will happen down the line, Little said “We aren’t going to move from that until we get further direction from the CDC, and our infectious disease people within the Froedtert Enterprise and Health Network”.
As for when that change could occur, Little said there is no way of knowing with 100% certainty, but they will be reevaluated on a regular basis, and “as soon as we believe that it is safe for our employees, our patients and their families…we will communicate that to you.”
