334-528-SICK Hours Reduced
For more than a month, EAMC has had upward of 20 employees answering the 528-SICK hotline for those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. At times, the call center received more than 1,000 phone calls in a 24-hour period, but routinely averaged between 700 – 1000 calls a day. Thankfully, the number of calls per day has decreased along with the number of hospitalized patients. This week, the call volume dropped to about 400 a day, and weekend call volumes are usually half of weekday call volumes. With that in mind, the 528-SICK call center will close at 7:30 p.m. tonight and then start a new set of hours tomorrow. The new hours for 334-528-SICK will be:
Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (CDT)
Mon. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CDT)
COVID-19 Testing Update
In line with the reduced number of 528-SICK calls, we have also experienced a reduced number of people needing a test for COVID-19. As a result, the testing sites at HealthPlus in Auburn and EAMC-Lanier in Valley will be closed this weekend and re-open on Monday, April 20. People who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should call 334-528-SICK during the hours listed above to be screened. After hours, individuals should visit the nearest Emergency Department to be screened for the virus, and tested, if certain criteria are met.