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COVID-19 Information

Vaccine Appointments

Masks 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

Find more Vaccine Providers >

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

Find more testing locations >

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

Learn More >

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?

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…

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