COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Information
Watauga Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
Avery County Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
North Carolina Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
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?
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Statistics Source: NC Department of Health & Human Services, Last update: 4/01 2:00 pm.
Get the latest information from NCDHHS | App. District Health Department | CDC
Signs & Symptoms
General Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
More serious symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in chest
- Confusion or disorientation
- Bluish lips or face
If you have symptoms of COVID-19
Based on recommendations issued by the NC Department of Health & Human Services, most people do not need testing for COVID‐19. When you leave your home to get tested, you could expose yourself to COVID‐19 if you do not already have it. If you do have COVID‐19, you can give it to someone else, including people who are high risk.
If you are sick and unsure if you should get tested, please call your healthcare provider. You can also connect with a RelyMD provider online at relymd.com/covidarhs on your computer or mobile device. $49 with coupon code: BEWELLARHS
Call 911 if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in chest, confusion or disorientation, or bluish lips or face.
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.
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
Visitors are no longer allowed at local hospitals to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm, visitors will not be allowed at any of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s facilities in order to help protect our patients, family members and health care workers from the spread of COVID-19. Read More: Visitors are no longer allowed at local hospitals to prevent the spread of COVID-19
What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms
Based on recommendations issued by the NC Department of Health & Human Services, most people do not need testing for COVID‐19. If you are sick and unsure if you should get tested, please call your healthcare provider. Read More: What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms