Warner Hospital officials are preparing for the coronavirus like it is already here.

CEO Paul Skowron updated the Clinton City Council Monday night at their second meeting of the month on the measures they are taking to protect their patients and the community. He says like most situations of this magnitude, they continue to prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

According to Skowron, they will begin limiting some of their services to help minimize the potential spread of germs. Additionally, they will be taking the recommendation of the Surgeon General and not doing elective surgeries.

The patient flow into the facility is going to slow down as well. Like many assisted living facilities, Warner Hospital will limit visits to people in the hospital and Skowron notes they are requiring their visitors to wear a mask.

Illinois officials are keeping in close communication with Illinois hospitals to make sure they are up to speed on the latest developments in this expanding epidemic. Skowron adds they may ultimately have to repurpose some of their facility for triage in the event things expand rapidly in DeWitt County.