Beckley ARH Hospital confirmed today a patient there has tested positive for COVID-19 – this is first patient to test positive at Beckley ARH and the third patient in the 13-hospital ARH system to test positive for COVID-19.
Dr. Maria Braman, ARH Chief Medical Officer says ARH is committed to being as transparent as possible in order to keep our communities safe and informed.
The patient, a Raleigh County resident, presented in the Beckley ARH Emergency Department and based on symptoms, the patient was isolated and tested for several potential viruses. Today, testing confirms the patient is positive for COVID-19. The patient is currently hospitalized at Beckley ARH in an isolation room.
Due to patient privacy laws, and out of respect for this patient and their family, ARH will not release any further details about the patient.
With five cases in Raleigh County, Beckley ARH Community CEO Rocky Massey encourages Southern West Virginian’s to continue to be vigilant in practicing “stay home” measures.
“We want our public to be fully aware COVID-19 is in our communities. They must take additional measures to protect themselves and those around them,” said Massey.
According to Massey, BARH staff has had extensive training on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and preparation for the potential of COVID-19 in our facilities.
“During interaction with the patient and testing for COVID-19 our medical staff took every precaution and followed the appropriate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols to prevent exposure to staff and other patients. Due to these measures, no staff or patients were exposed nor require self-isolating,” said Massey.
Dr. Braman continued stating, “It is our responsibility as healthcare professionals to be prepared for these cases, and at ARH, we are prepared. Furthermore, it also is our responsibility as citizens to help control the spread of COVID-19 by limiting our exposure to others and practicing the CDC recommendations for social distancing and hand-washing practices. That is the only way we can get ahead of the spread of this virus.”
ARH understands this is a stressful time for our communities and has developed both COVID-19 website and Hotline.
The ARH COVID-19 Hotline is open from 7a.m to 11 p.m., 7 days a week, to field questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms, testing and prevention. The Hotline can be reached at 606-439-7100. For the most accurate and current ARH COVID-19 updates and information, call the ARH COVID-19 Hotline or Visit www.ARHCOVID19.com.