COVID-19 Information
Vaccine AppointmentsMasks Policy Updates for Patients and Visitors Starting March 24
Effective Friday, March 24, 2023 ARHS is updating our mask policy for patients and visitors at Cannon Memorial Hospital, Watauga Medical Center and Appalachian Regional Medical Associates Offices.
We will transition from “Masks Required” to “Masks Encouraged” for patients and visitors with the following exceptions:
• Patients and visitors who have symptoms of respiratory illnesses must wear a mask.
• Certain units and clinics may require masks based on their specific patient populations and patient care needs (e.g. immunocompromised patients or teammates, aerosol generating procedures, etc.).
This change is consistent with current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and falling infection rates in our communities across North Carolina.
Get a Vaccine or Booster
Flu and COVID vaccines available:
AppFamily Medicine:
Wednesdays, 3:00 pm-5:00pm
Saturdays, 8:00am-11:30am
Call (828) 386-2223 or walk in
Baker Center:
Thursdays, 10:00am-4:00pm
Saturdays, 8:30am-11:00am
Call (828) 737-7711 or walk-in
AppHealthCare (Health Department):
Times and locations vary
Call (828) 795-1970 or visit the website
Boone Drug:
Visit website for schedule
Get Tested
DO NOT come to the Emergency Department unless it is a true medical emergency.
ARHS does not offer standalone COVID testing at this time
AppHealthCare (Health Department):
Monday through Friday 8:30-10:00 am
Visit www.apphealthcare.com/ for more info
Avery County Health Department:
Mon/Tue/Fri 9am -12pm; 1:30pm – 6pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Call (828) 733-8273
Boone Drug:
Visit website for details
Quarantine/Isolate
If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, stay home as much as possible. Avoid others in your household until you can say yes to ALL three of the following questions:
- at least 10 days since you first had symptoms
- at least 24 hours since you have had a fever without using fever-reducing medicine
- at least 24 hours since your other symptoms have improved
Learn what to do at home and when to get professional help >
NC Vaccine Portal
You may obtain your vaccine records by visiting the NCDHHS Vaccine Portal
Need support? Contact the online help desk or call (888)-675-4567
Monday – Friday, 7 am – 7 pm
Saturday – Sunday, 8 am until 4 pm
Visitor Restrictions
Visitor Restrictions are in place at ARHS hospitals and medical offices to protect patients and staff
COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Cash Price: $98
During the COVID-19 emergency period declared by the Public Health Act, providers are required to make public the cash prices for the diagnostic test for COVID-19 [Reference: CARES Act Sec. 3202].
You tested positive for COVID. Now what?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. • Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public. • Do not go places where you are…
read moreUpdated ARHS COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines
Updated COVID-19 visitor restrictions for hospitals and medical offices, effective March 17, 2022. Read More: Updated ARHS COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines
For Your Health: ARHS Providers sound off on COVID-19 vaccination (Video Series)
In response to questions we’ve heard from community members, we asked our trusted ARHS providers to share information about the COVID-19 vaccine, side effects, efficacy, and more. Additional videos may be added. Read More: For Your Health: ARHS Providers sound off on COVID-19 vaccination (Video Series)
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