COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Information
Cumulative/Active cases:
- Watauga County Cases: 14 (5 active)
- Ashe County Cases: 32 (16 active)
- Avery County Cases: 2
- NC Cases: 25,412
Statistics Source: NC Department of Health & Human Services, Last update: 5/28 3:16 pm
Get the latest information from NCDHHS | App. District Health Department | CDC
Face masks required for all inside ARHS facilities
On Tuesday, April 28, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) began requiring masks for all who enter an ARHS facility. This new requirement applies to all employees, even those in non-clinical areas, patients and vendors. Additionally, in those rare instances where visitors may be allowed inside an ARHS facility, they too will be required to wear a face mask. Read More: Face masks required for all inside ARHS facilities
Signs & Symptoms
General Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste/smell
More serious symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing
If you have symptoms of COVID-19
If you are sick and unsure if you should get tested, please call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a provider, you can call one of our primary care offices, or connect with a RelyMD provider online at relymd.com/covidarhs on your computer or mobile device.
Call 911 if you are experiencing difficulty breathing or feel you need emergency treatment
Visitor Restrictions
Visitors are not allowed at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s hospitals in order to help protect our patients, family members and health care workers from the spread of COVID-19. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis for certain situations.
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].
Face masks required for all inside ARHS facilities
On Tuesday, April 28, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) began requiring masks for all who enter an ARHS facility. This new requirement applies to all employees, even those in non-clinical areas, patients and vendors. Additionally, in those rare instances where visitors may be allowed inside an ARHS facility, they too will be required to wear a face mask. Read More: Face masks required for all inside ARHS facilities
ARHS expands access to care through new telehealth program
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) has launched a new telehealth program to ensure patients have safe, convenient access to their providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Read More: ARHS expands access to care through new telehealth program
Healthcare System Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
On Wednesday April 8, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) was notified by AppHealthCare (the health department) that an ARHS employee who had recently traveled has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee did not provide direct patient care, has been in quarantine and is recovering at home. Read More: Healthcare System Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
Guidance for use of cloth masks and face coverings
AppHealthCare and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) are following the guidance for use of cloth masks or face coverings by the general public as issued by the recommendations recently issued by the CDC. Read More: Guidance for use of cloth masks and face coverings
ARHS takes care of employees with CDO supplemental pay
On Thursday March 27, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) announced a new supplemental pay program, called COVID Days Off (CDO) to assist full time and part time employees whose hours have been reduced due to the COVID-19 crisis. Read More: ARHS takes care of employees with CDO supplemental pay
How can the community help?
The COVID-19 pandemic creates new challenges daily for ARHS and for our patients. The most important thing the community can do to slow the spread of the virus is to stay home as much as possible. Read More: How can the community help?
Blue ridge energy donates N95 masks to ARHS
On Monday March 23, 2020, Blue Ridge Energy donated hundreds of N95 masks to ARHS in an effort to help ARHS protect its caregivers. Read More: Blue ridge energy donates N95 masks to ARHS
ARHS will begin temperature screening for employees and contractors
ARHS began requiring ALL employees and contractors at Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial Hospital to undergo temperature screening prior to beginning work. This temperature screening will occur 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Read More: ARHS will begin temperature screening for employees and contractors
In-person pickup of medical records temporarily suspended
To protect the health of our patients and staff during the COVID-19 public health emergency, in-person pick up of medical records is temporarily suspended. Patients may still request records online or by phone. Read More: In-person pickup of medical records temporarily suspended