NRMC seeks mask mandate

NEVADA, Mo.- As numbers of COVID-19 cases have swiftly escalated in Vernon County, Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is experiencing strains created by the pandemic.

“In recent weeks we have seen COVID-19 numbers spiked dramatically,” says NRMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Branstetter. “Our hospital is very busy with COVID-19 in our emergency department and our intensive care unit. Testing also is very busy and we’ve had to extend our hours this week to help with the demand.”

Larger hospitals often have no beds available and the transfer of seriously ill patients is becoming very challenging. As all hospitals do, NRMC has planned for this type of public health emergency and taken every measure to combat its effects. However, limited resources are being pushed to capacity.

NRMC, along with several other Missouri hospitals, are seeking mandatory mask ordinances in the areas they serve. Tuesday, Branstetter sent a request to local officials to institute such an ordinance.

“We are in a public health crisis. We need the people and our leaders to come together and take the CDC guidelines seriously,” says Branstetter.

NRMC encourages the practice of frequent hand hygiene, social distancing of at least six feet and mask wearing in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19.