COVID-19 Affecting Howard Memorial Hospital

Hospitals in Arkansas are preparing for a possible inundation of patients related to COVID-19.

One of the big concerns is healthcare providers will run out of protective equipment.

Earlier this week, staff at Howard Memorial Hospital in Nashville took a request to the public for assistance in obtaining gloves, gowns and masks. Dr. Chad Gaddis, an emergency room physician at the local hospital, said the community responded in an overwhelming manner.

Gaddis said doctors and healthcare workers always put the patient first but protecting medical staff is a major priority in the fight against the virus.

Gaddis reminds area residents that you should always contact the hospital or your local physician by phone if you are concerned you have symptoms or have possibly been exposed to the virus.

He added that southwest Arkansas is likely just getting started with the virus and is possibly still several weeks away from seeing the peak in the area.