Many nonemergency care providers across Salem, Ore., will close or limit services on Aug. 21, anticipating gridlock that could hamper emergency response, strand staff and patients or limit the effectiveness of some services, according to an article on the KGW website.
Some facilities are treating the total solar eclipse like severe weather or a holiday, trying to keep staff and clients off the roads by rescheduling appointments or eliminating some care options, the article said.
For instance, Willamette Valley Hospice is making considerable preparations because much of it's care is home based. The facility is cutting as many appointments as possible and having staff work from home.
The facility is investing in a short-wave radio system allowing for staff members to communicate even if cell service crashes.
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