Moss Brennan
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System announced Wednesday that visitors are no longer able to visit Watauga Medical Center or Cannon Memorial Hospital, effective Tuesday night.
Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for:
Hospitalized minors
Patients at the end of life
Patients needing help with communication or decision making
Patients giving birth
“The health and safety of our patients, their families, and team members remains a top priority for our organization. Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time. Rest assured that our patients (your family, friends and neighbors) are receiving exceptional care from our outstanding physicians, nurses and staff,” the ARHS website reads.
How to Protect Yourself
Practice social distancing which means avoiding gatherings, keeping 6 feet or more between you and others and remaining at home to the greatest extent possible
Frequent hand washing
Stay home when you’re sick
Keep distance from others who are sick
Avoid touching your face
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces in common areas like doorknobs, remotes, light switches, tables and handles
COVID-19 Signs & Symptoms
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
People at high risk include anyone who:
Is 65 years of age or older
Lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility
Have a high-risk condition that includes:
○ Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
○ Heart disease with complications
○ Compromised immune system
○ Severe obesity – body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
○ Other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure or liver disease
Additional resources can be found at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website at cdc.gov/coronavirus and North Carolina resources can be found on the Division of Public Health website at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.