Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources for Community Members

Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) is actively working with our agency partners like the East-Central District Health Department (ECDHD) prevent and control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our area.

On Monday, July 5, CCH will open additional entrances that have been closed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of this change, CCH's main entrance once again will be open for patients and visitors from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. CCH will also expand entrance options to the Healthpark Medical Office Build to the southeast entrance. All other Healthpark entrances will remain locked. The emergency department remains open 24/7.

CCH will continue to provide COVID-19 screenings at all entrances, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Patient and Visitor Policies

As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, we are constantly working to create new procedures to protect our employees, patients and visitors.

CCH is offering many programs and services that were put on hold due to COVID-19. Elective surgeries and screenings are available, and all of the hospital's clinics are seeing patients.

On June 1, CCH also removed visitor restrictions. CCH patients no longer are limited to a specific number of support people, and visitors younger than 19 now are welcome. However, the number of support people in a patient's room at one time is limited to four, or a number based on the nurse's discretion.

All visitors must pass a COVID-19 screening, which includes a temperature test and questions about COVID-19 symptoms and possible exposure. Visitors who fail these screenings will not be permitted to enter the hospital or clinic. Likewise, anyone with a confirmed or pending COVID-19 diagnosis is not allowed as a visitor or support person.

To protect the safety of its patients, staff and community members, CCH requires everyone to wear a mask within its facilities and clinics. The hospital discourages using gaitors or bandanas, as research has found these are not as effective as other masks. Approved masks are available at the emergency department registration screening desk, if needed.

These changes are part of CCH's efforts to re-evaluate its COVID-19 safety precautions as vaccinations increase and cases decline.

Everyone 12 years and older is now able to get vaccinated, as the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for people 12 and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for people 18 and older.

Nebraskans can register for a vaccine through vaccine.ne.gov. or they can check with their local health department or area pharmacies for vaccination appointments.

Public health officials also urge Nebraskans to get a COVID-19 test if they develop symptoms of the virus or are exposed to it. Free COVID-19 testing continues to be available through TestNebraska. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit

testnebraska.com.