San Juan Regional Medical Center is closely monitoring the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Emergency Preparedness Team at San Juan Regional is working on institutional preparedness. The primary concern is for the protection and safety of patients and staff members.

As part of coronavirus precautions, it is requested that only patients and immediate caregivers come to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care in order to reduce potential exposures.

The public should not come to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care if well, unless absolutely necessary, and sick people should not visit patients in the hospital.

The best way to avoid getting sick is to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing noses, coughing, sneezing or if hands are visibly dirty. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

For more information, visit www.cv.nmhealth.org, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts-stop-fear.html.