Licking Memorial Hospital has temporarily adjusted its visitation policy to keep patients safe from infection. Guidelines may change depending on current COVID conditions.
- Medical Records and Cashier Office are open.
- LMH Café and Main Street Coffee are closed for drop-in visits. Patrons must be at the Hospital as a visitor or support person.
- One adult visitor per patient is allowed at one time with the exception of Labor & Delivery (see below).
- No minors are permitted unless they are vaccinated and over the age of 12, except if they are the patient.
- Pediatric patients may have two visitors; however, both must be a parent or guardian.
- Clergy may visit patients at any time.
- Patients who are positive with COVID-19 may have one visitor at a time and a total of two visitors per day. The exception for only allowing one visitor at a time will be when a vaccinated child over the age of 12 is visiting. In this instance, one adult visitor will need to accompany the child (this will count as two total visitors for the day). Adult visitors can be vaccinated or unvaccinated.
- Labor & Delivery
- Two adult support people are permitted at a time. A doula also is permitted in addition to the support person during labor.
- One consistent designated support person may stay with the patient in the Mother Baby area.
- Hospice
- No children may visit Hospice except under the following conditions:
- A one-time visit with pre-approval from Hospice.
- The visit may last as long as they wish, but once the child leaves the Hospice unit, the visit is finished.
- The child is not permitted to visit Main Street Coffee, the LMH Café, and may not wander the Hospital during their visit.
- Hospice patients who are positive with COVID-19 may have one visitor per day.
- Non-COVID patients may have two visitors at bedside. Visitors must be immediate family only.
- All visitors and support persons must wear a face mask when in the Hospital.
- The LMH Main Entrance and the Emergency Department (ED) entrance are the only doors open to the Hospital. All other doors have signage directing visitors to the Main Entrance.
- Staff will be stationed at these entrances where visitors are asked a few questions to screen for possible COVID-19 infection and have their temperature checked.
- If screened patients at the ED entrance have severe symptoms related to COVID-19, they are isolated in a comfortable area for the protection of other patients.
- Visitors are screened each day and receive a color-coded badge to wear at all times.
- Visitors without a badge may not enter any Hospital area, including the LMH Café and Main Street Coffee.
- Visitors are expected to perform hand hygiene at the point of screening, before entering the patient room and when leaving the patient room.
- Visitors/support persons who are coughing or show signs of illness, or who do not follow these standards, will be kindly asked to leave.
- Vendors are discouraged from entering the Hospital.
- However, if a visit is necessary, vendors must check in at the Purchasing entrance at the rear of the Hospital and will undergo a minor health screening and have their temperature taken. The vendor will be given a badge to wear and escorted to the area by the department manager.
LMH is currently administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are 12 years of age and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.
1717 West Main Street in Newark:
- Walk-in: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Friday
General Information
- There is no out-of-pocket cost to individuals receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. LMH bills private and public insurance for the vaccine administration fee. For uninsured patients, this fee will be reimbursed through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relief Fund
- Please bring a photo ID and insurance card to the appointment
- Those who need transportation to a scheduled appointment at the LMH COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic may contact the LMH Ride program at (220) 564-7433 (RIDE)
- For any general questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, please call (220) 564-4741
Please consider the following information prior to scheduling a COVID-19 vaccination appointment:
- The COVID-19 vaccine now may be administered with other vaccines, regardless of timing. Individuals may receive the COVID-19 vaccine on the same day as they receive other vaccines and do not need to wait 14 days before or after administration of other vaccines to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
- Those who have a current, known COVID-19 infection should defer receiving the vaccine until symptoms are resolved and the quarantine period has been satisfied
- Individuals who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma during treatment must wait 90 days before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The FDA has authorized the emergency use of three vaccines to prevent COVID-19:
- Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
- Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
The Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a single-dose vaccine that uses viral vector technology. It contains an inactivated common cold virus called adenovirus 26, which is modified to carry the genetic information of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The modified adenovirus cannot multiply, so it does not cause infection. When the vaccine is administered, the modified adenovirus enters the cells and delivers the viral DNA, which causes the cells to produce coronavirus proteins to mimic the virus and prompt an immune response in the body. If a vaccinated person is exposed to COVID-19, their immune system now is able to recognize the virus and prevent infection.
The Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines, a new technique that works by replicating the genetic code of a virus to trick the body into producing antibodies without requiring the virus itself to be injected. An mRNA vaccine contains instructions that direct cells in the body to make antigens that will induce an immune response to prevent or fight disease. Once antibodies are created, the body acquires a defense against infection.
- Two injections are needed in order for the vaccine to be effective
- mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19
- mRNA is not able to alter or modify a person’s genetic makeup (DNA) – the mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell
- Re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, and it is advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine despite a previous positive test for the virus
Some side effects from the vaccines are expected as normal signs that the body is building immune protection. These side effects may limit the ability to do daily activities, but should subside in a few days. Common side effects include:
- Pain and swelling at the injection site
- Fever
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Headache
It is important to continue using all the tools available to help stop the spread of the virus including:
- Covering your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
- Staying at least 6 feet away from others
- Avoiding crowds
- Washing your hands often
For more information about the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, please visit: https://www.fda.gov/media/144638/download
For more information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, please visit: https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download
For more information about the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, please visit: https://www.fda.gov/media/146305/download
Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine may be found here:
Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus Website – COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/general-resources/frequently-asked-questions+covid-19-vaccine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
Licking Memorial Health Systems is now offering a COVID-19 Booster Clinic. The Clinic has been established at Doctors Park Building 5, located at 1272 West Main Street in Newark, and will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, by appointment only.
CDC Recommendations for Pfizer Boosters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following individuals receive a booster dose of the Pfizer/Comirnaty vaccine at least 6 months following their two dose primary Pfizer series:
- 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings
- 50 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions
- 18 to 49 years with underlying medical conditions, based on their individual benefits and risks
- 18 to 64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of an occupational or institutional setting, based on their individual benefits and risks
Please schedule an appointment for the Booster Clinic here.
Individuals who received the two-dose primary Moderna vaccine will need to wait to receive the Moderna booster vaccine until it has been approved by the FDA. LMHS anticipates additional information once the FDA meets to review the Moderna booster application on October 14.
Those who need transportation to a scheduled appointment may contact the LMH Ride program at (220) 564-7433 (RIDE). For any general questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine or booster or to schedule a booster dose, please call (220) 564-2579.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to include a recommended third dose for individuals with moderate to severe immunosuppression who are at heightened risk for serious outcomes from COVID-19. This includes solid organ transplant recipients or those who are “diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise,” according to the FDA. This group of eligible individuals is estimated to include less than 3 percent of the U.S. population and 3 percent of Ohioans.
The CDC has further defined this eligible population to include:
- Individuals undergoing active treatment for cancer (solid tumor and hematologic malignancies).
- Individuals who have received a solid-organ transplant and are taking immunosuppressive therapy.
- Individuals who have received a CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplant or taking immunosuppression therapy).
- Individuals with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- Individuals with advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- Individuals undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.
LMH Offers Free BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Testing Kits
Licking Memorial Health Systems offers free at-home COVID-19 testing kits to any individual who wishes to be tested for COVID-19, regardless of symptoms. The kits are available for pick up at 131 McMillen Drive in Newark, seven days a week, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m.
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test Kit is manufactured by Abbott and contains a BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag card, a single-use extraction reagent bottle, and a nasal swab. Users will initiate their testing session through a computer or mobile device by visiting ohio.emed.com and clicking the Start Testing button at the top, right-hand corner of the screen. Users will be connected with an eMed Certified Guide to begin the testing process. Once the test is complete, results are available in 15 minutes.
Learn more about the at-home COVID-19 testing kit here: https://ohio.emed.com/
BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card instructions for use can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/141570/download
View the video on how to use eMed’s COVID-19 testing kit here: https://youtu.be/OahDJZDfffQ
Individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 may visit select primary care physician offices or one of three LMH Urgent Care locations, where a clinician will determine if testing is appropriate. Please visit one of the locations below if experiencing COVID symptoms – only those with severe symptoms should present at the Emergency Department.
The following LMHP primary care physician offices currently offer testing services. You may only visit a physician if you are established as a current patient. Please call in advance to request testing:
- Marita Moore, M.D., Family Practice – Doctors Park 2: (220) 564-4824
- Katrina Timson, M.D., Family Practice – East Main: (220) 564-1830
- Michael Barth, M.D., Family Practice – Granville: (220) 564-1961
- Kevin Graham, M.D., Family Practice – Granville: (220) 564-1961
- Navin Muni, M.D., Family Practice – Granville: (220) 564-1961
- Andrew Seipel, M.D., Family Practice – Licking Valley: (220) 564-1720
- Garth Bennington, M.D., Family Practice – West Main: (220) 564-1700
- Talya Greathouse, M.D., Family Practice – West Main: (220) 564-1700
- Sean Gallagher, M.D., Pediatrics – East Main: (220) 564-1840
- Brian Klima, M.D., Pediatrics – Pataskala: (220) 564-1925
- Hanaa Abdelmessih, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Richard Baltisberger, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Shelley Gittens, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Jimisha Patel, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Elizabeth McIntosh, M.D., Family Practice – Johnstown: (220) 564-1810
- Keri Hershberger, M.D., Family Practice – Pataskala: (220) 564-1905
- Nina Hourmouzis, M.D., Licking Memorial Internal Medicine: (220) 564-4805
- Nishi Patel, M.D., Licking Memorial Internal Medicine: (220) 564-4805
- Sarah Lim, D.O., Licking Memorial Internal Medicine: (220) 564-4805
- David Koontz, D.O., Licking Memorial Internal Medicine: (220) 564-4805
LMH Urgent Care facilities are located in the following areas:
- Urgent Care – Granville: (220) 564-7502
- Urgent Care – Pataskala: (220) 564-7602
- Urgent Care – Downtown Newark: (220) 564-7702
Click here for location addresses and hours of operation.
- Photo identification is required.
- When arriving, please remain in your vehicle and call the appropriate number listed above for further instruction. A staff member will complete the registration process over the phone and will provide additional directives for testing.
- A face mask is required at all times during your visit.
- The staff will complete a screening to determine if testing is appropriate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend continued use of face masks and social distancing for hospitals and healthcare settings, even for those individuals who are fully vaccinated. In accordance with these requirements, Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) requires all patients, visitors and employees to wear a mask and maintain a distance of six feet from others while inside Licking Memorial Hospital, visiting a physician’s office or other LMHS facility. The mask requirement also is in keeping with the State of Ohio’s orders, which follow CDC recommendations. These safety measures are vital in continuing the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, and ensure the protection and wellbeing of our community. Guidelines for wearing face coverings can be found here.
As the state continues a gradual, multi-phased reopening process, Governor Mike DeWine has authorized all surgical procedures to resume. Patients may contact their physician to schedule surgeries or procedures that were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients should discuss with their physicians any new or chronic conditions that may have a significant impact on their quality of life and make a joint decision about any procedure. In order to comply with social distancing and other restrictions set forward by Governor DeWine, Hospital visitation restrictions remain in place. Patients are allowed one support person to accompany them to their procedure. Visitors are required to wear a cloth face covering and practice social distancing measures.
Proactive prevention and planning are essential to containing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As with any infectious disease, proper hygiene techniques will help reduce the spread of a virus. The following prevention guidelines are suggested for use at home, work, school and community locations:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing – immediately deposit tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with those with illness, and stay home when you are sick to treat symptoms. Seek prompt medical attention if your illness worsens (e.g., fever, cough and difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider's office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
- Keep hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) and tissues on hand.
- Keep household cleaning spray or wipes readily available.
- Clean "high-touch" surfaces daily. These include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
- Do not share personal items such as water bottles.
- The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings (masks) in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This recommendation is based on studies that show a significant proportion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and can transmit the virus to others in close proximity, through speaking, coughing, sneezing or other means.
- Be prepared to cancel non-essential travel plans.
- Get a flu shot this season if you have not already. Although it will not protect against COVID-19, it can provide greater immunity against influenza or lessen symptoms if contracted, which may reduce the strain on healthcare facilities.
What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The CDC reports the virus is mainly thought to be spread between people who are in close contact (within 6 feet) with one another or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets can land in the mouth or nose of nearby people or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 affects people in different ways. Those infected report a wide range of symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
This list does not show all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Individuals at highest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include those with pre-existing pulmonary disease, those with compromised immune systems, infants and the elderly. The vast majority of patients will have mild/moderate symptoms and do not require hospitalization.
What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
If you suspect you are sick with COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and help prevent the disease from spreading to other people:
- Stay home except to get medical care, and separate yourself from other people in your home.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Clean your hands often.
- Contact your primary care provider if your illness is worsening. Tell your provider that you have coronavirus-like symptoms, so they can take steps to keep other people from getting infected.
- You may visit one of the three LMH Urgent Care facilities, where a clinician will determine if testing is appropriate.
How can I prevent or treat COVID-19?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. However, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, such as:
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you sneeze or cough
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (20 seconds or longer) or use alcohol hand rub if no soap and water are available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces
- Clean and disinfect "high-touch" surfaces often
Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed symptoms from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.
If I have been around someone who has COVID-19, should I be tested?
Per CDC guidance, if you have had close contact – within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period – with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, and if you are exhibiting symptoms of the virus, you should be tested. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include the following:
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
For more information regarding COVID-19 symptoms, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
My neighbor, friend, family member has tested positive for COVID-19. Do I and my family members need to quarantine and for how long?
If you have been in close contact – within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period – with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, it is recommended that you self-isolate for a period of 14 days after your last contact with the person who has the virus. Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Limit contact with others as much as possible, especially those who are at higher risk for COVID-19. For more information about when and how to quarantine, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you are exhibiting any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Call 911 or call ahead to the Emergency Department. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Can I be tested for COVID-19 in the Emergency Department?
Patients may be tested for COVID-19 at the Emergency Department during non-Clinic hours or for the following emergency symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Upon arrival, they will be assessed for symptoms of the virus. Those who present with symptoms are isolated for the protection of other patients. Asymptomatic patients will not be tested for COVID-19.
What is the process for testing so that I can return to work?
Return to work testing is done on an outpatient basis and can be scheduled by contacting your primary care physician.
How can I get my test results?
COVID-19 test results may take 4 to 6 days to receive. You will be notified via telephone only if your test result is positive. Patients also may obtain results by calling the COVID call center at (220) 564-4741 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
To acquire a hard copy of your COVID-19 test results, please follow one of the two below options:
- Register online for access to the LMH Patient Portal.
- Complete the Authorization for Release of Medical Information form, which is available at the LMHS website: https://www.lmhealth.org/PDF-Files/Forms/patient_info_release.aspx
- Return form to LMH through one of the following methods:
- Scan/fax to: (220) 564-7717
- Mail to: LMH Medical Records, 1320 West Main Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
- Contact the LMH Medical Records Department at (220) 564-4122 to obtain results.
What is the cost of testing?
Patients should check with their health insurance plan to determine if there is an out-of-pocket expense for COVID-19 testing.
Who can I talk to about my concerns for COVID-19?
Please visit the Ohio Department of Health website at: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home, or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). The Call Center is staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., each day including weekends.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the following websites: