Last Updated on March 17, 2020 10:08 am
March 12, 2020 (Boone, NC) –
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is implementing visitor
restrictions at Watauga Medical Center in Boone and Cannon Memorial
Hospital in Linville in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Each patient may be accompanied by one visitor inside the hospital,
and all others must remain outside the building. The visitor or
companion must be 13 years of age or older, and have no symptoms of
illness.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is working diligently with
national, state, and local health officials to prevent the spread of
COVID-19, and to implement safety measures should the virus appear in
the High Country.
“Although we have not yet seen COVID-19 cases in the High Country,
we are taking precautions to prevent the spread,” said Dr. Danielle
Mahaffey, Chief Physician Executive for Appalachian Regional Healthcare
System. “The COVID-19 virus spreads mainly person to person through
coughing, sneezing, and through close contact with one another (within
about 6 feet). For the health and safety of our patients, we are asking
the community to refrain from visiting to help protect the patients in
our facilities.”
How to protect yourself from COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick
- If you must go in public, wear a mask
- Cover coughs or sneezes
- Clean and disinfect surfaces
Visit our website for updated information about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System's response to this evolving situation:apprhs.org/COVID19.
