COVID-19 Information
Visitation Level – Relaxed
These precautions are to help safeguard the health of our staff, patients and visitors during this time, and will change based on the level of community spread of COVID-19.
Masking:
- Masking is optional for asymptomatic visitors and patients.
- Self attest to screening questions related to symptoms and recent exposure.
Please:
- Wash and sanitize hands often.
- Remain in your intended location or common areas.
- Follow all directions from staff.
SPH Main Entrance
and Emergency entrance - open 24 hours
Lower-level West Entrance -
6am – 8pm Monday - Friday
Lower-level Bartlett Street Entrance -
6am-8pm Monday-Friday
HOSPITAL & CLINICS:
Our goal is to welcome visitation in all areas and offer a safe and managed experience. We know one-size visitation does not fit all people, situations, spaces or needs. Therefore, visitor guidance is determined and managed by department, including limits, visiting hours, exceptions, etc. Please contact your destination in advance to learn the current visiting guidance.
LONG TERM CARE:
Long Term Care nursing home welcomes visitors by appointment and by resident approval. Call (907) 235-0233.
Cafeteria: Our cafeteria is currently open for visitation. Breakfast is served from 7 to 10 AM, and lunch is served from 11 to 1:30 PM 7 days a week. Additionally, Well Bean Coffee shop across from the cafeteria is open from 8-2 PM Monday through Friday.
Reflection Room: Our reflection room is currently open for visitation 24/7. This is a space where all are welcome to have a quiet moment, enjoy a book from our lending library, or connect with a loved one.
The SPH Covid-19 Testing and Vaccine Site is permanently closed.
Vaccines are available by appointment through your provider at Homer Medical Clinic - (907) 235-8586, Family Care Clinic - (907) 235-0900, and the Specialty Clinic - (907) 235-0310. Additionally, our local Safeway pharmacy offers vaccination by appointment or walk-in, click here to schedule online.
Use CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool to determine your vaccine eligibility.
PCR Lab Testing:
- Homer Medical Center and SPH Family Care Clinic offer Covid-19 testing by appointment if experiencing illness.
- Covid-19 testing is available at the hospital’s laboratory through the self-referral program “Request-A-Test”. This service is for self-pay only, insurance will not be billed, and will cost only $50. In addition to a single Covid-19 test, a respiratory four-plex test for Influenza-A, Influenza-B, RSV and Covid-19 is offered, as well as other self-referred tests. Call the laboratory and request a “Request a Test” appointment. More details here.
Home Test Kits:
- Free take home kits are available 24/7 at the main entrance of the hospital, the Library, and the Chamber of Commerce while supplies last.
- Free at-home test kits can be ordered online at www.covid.gov/tests
- Home Test Kits can be purchased locally, with the cost covered by most insurances.
If you test positive and are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild right now.
Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within days of when you first develop symptoms to be effective.
What if I don’t have a provider?
If you do not have a local provider call:
- Homer Medical Center (907) 235-8586
- SVT Health and Wellness (907) 226-2228
- Kachemak Medical Group (907) 235-7000
- Ninilchik Clinic (907) 567-3970
- SPH Family Care Clinic (907) 235-0900
At what point should I seek immediate medical care?
If you develop concerning symptoms including difficulty breathing, bluish, gray, or whitish lips or face, pain or pressure in the chest, severe constant dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion, difficulty waking up, or slurred speech, seek medical care immediately.
For additional information on current therapeutics, click here.
For additional information on Covid-19 updates in Alaska, click here.