COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Information
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
- fever
- chills
- cough
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- muscle/body aches
- headache
- new loss of taste/smell
- sore throat
- congestion
- runny nose
- nausea/vomiting
- diarrhea.
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
Effective June 10th, each patient at Watauga Medical Center (WMC) and Cannon Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be able to designate one visitor/advocate to accompany them during their hospital stay between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Another visitor cannot be substituted if the designated visitor is unable to come on any given day.
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].
ARHS partners with local law enforcement to provide face masks for the community
To help the community adhere to the Governor’s face mask requirement, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) donated 800 washable, reusable cloth face masks for local law enforcement officers to distribute as needed. Read More: ARHS partners with local law enforcement to provide face masks for the community
COVID-19 Testing in Watauga and Avery Counties
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is an official testing site for COVID-19. If you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, call your healthcare provider to see if you need testing. If you are experiencing severe, life threatening symptoms (for example, severe difficulty breathing, altered thinking, blue lips), seek immediate medical care or call 9-1-1. Read More: COVID-19 Testing in Watauga and Avery Counties
ARHS allows one designated visitor per patient within specific guidelines
Effective June 10th, each patient at Watauga Medical Center (WMC) and Cannon Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be able to designate one visitor/advocate to accompany them during their hospital stay between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Read More: ARHS allows one designated visitor per patient within specific guidelines
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?