Clinic Sign About COVID-19 Triggers Concern In Springfield
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A photo posted online of a sign taped to the front door of a small medical clinic in Springfield triggered concern Wednesday afternoon.
Keep in mind that Robertson County has no reported cases of COVID-19 “the Cornavirus” or reports of anyone on quarantine due to exposure.
The sign (pictured in the photo) stated that the clinic was “Shut Down due to possible exposure to COVID-19.” The online post triggered a visit from the Emergency Management Agency and calls from city officials. The post also triggered Robertson County Schools and the City of Springfield to both make statements to calm nerves. SEE BOTH STATEMENTS BELOW
When Smokey Barn News arrived at the facility there was a new sign taped to the door that stated the reason for the closure was due to an “emergency situation.” One city official told Smokey Barn News that they were told the closing was due to a staffing issue by the clinic.
According to the Emergency Management Agency Director Chance Holmes, employees at the clinic (Fast Pace Health located at 1609 Jones St MAP) said he would have to talk to corporate. The employee took his number with the assurance that someone would be calling soon. As 8:00 pm Wednesday the Director has not been contacted.
Smokey Barn News did reach Selena Gurley who carries the title of State Director of Tennessee at Fast Pace Urgent Care. She told us that she would have a release addressing the issue out to us shortly. We did receive a statement but it did not address the matter of the sign.
When we asked Gurley to address the sign, its authenticity, or what events transpired to cause the sign to be posted she said that all the agency was prepared to release was the statement given. SEE STATEMENT BELOW
“Fast Pace Health is committed to providing quality care within the communities of which we serve and ensuring the safety of our patients and employees and all others associated with Fast Pace.
“We, along with all other health care facilities in Tennessee and throughout the country, including hospitals, urgent care, and primary care offices are working closely with our local health departments due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the coronavirus. We continue to follow all guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in all aspects.
“We are regularly updating staff and following recommended patient screenings to detect any possible exposure. We continue to monitor COVID-19 and, are working closely with all local health officials as recommended. All recommended CDC guidelines, including, but not limited to, patient screening based on recent travel history, and recommendations for testing based on CDC guidelines are in place. As of today, although we do expect to see cases of COVID-19 in our clinics, we have not yet had a positive diagnosis within our clinics.
“At this time, all of us in the health care community continue to advocate on behalf of our patients and staff. With this ever changing situation, we remain committed to the privacy of our patients, and work with the CDC and any local officials regarding any positive diagnosis of COVID-19. We refer to the Officials of the State of Tennessee and their local health departments for any required notifications.
“We want to assure our community that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the coronavirus. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.”
For whatever reason, the agency has decided not to address the sign, why it was taped to the door or even if it was authentic. When repeatedly asked about the sign we were just referred back to the statement.
Concerned about the incident, the city of Springfield released the following statement.
“We are aware of the miscommunication surrounding a sign at a local business today referencing possible exposure to COVID-19. We have confirmed with local emergency management officials that this is not true. The business was merely closing out of precaution. However, we do expect that COVID-19 will be present here as spread continues. Please remember that the virus has a very limited effect on most people. There is no need to panic or be concerned. Pay attention to health professionals that have advised everyone to relax, disregard the hype, and wash your hands.” City of Springfield, TN – Government
Robertson County Schools released the following statement over concerns about the incident.
“Robertson County Schools has been made aware of a sign that was posted at the Fast Pace Urgent Care Clinic in Springfield indicating the clinic was closed. Dr. Causey is in touch with local Emergency Management and the county health department has been contacted. At this time, neither EMA nor the Health Department have confirmed or even reported a case of COVID-19 in Robertson County. Robertson County Schools will remain in touch with these authorities and respond appropriately to any new reports.”
This is the photograph that was initially posted online.
This is the photograph of the sign that was posted later
