Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) can confirm that a 52-year-old-female from Knox County has tested positive for the coronavirus COVID-19 virus at Barbourville ARH Hospital.
This is first patient to test positive at Barbourville ARH, and the eighth patient throughout the 13-hospital ARH system to test positive since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the U.S.
“ARH is committed to being as transparent as possible to keep our communities safe and informed as we move through this rapidly evolving situation that COVID-19 has become. We want our public to be fully aware if there is a case in their community so they can take additional measures to protect themselves and those around them,” says Dr. Maria Braman, ARH Chief Medical Officer.
The patient, a Knox County resident, was admitted to the hospital through the Emergency Department and based on symptoms, was isolated and tested for the COVID-19 virus. Testing confirms the patient is positive for COVID-19. The patient currently remains hospitalized at Barbourville 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.
As part of the extensive training on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and preparation for the potential of COVID-19, the Barbourville ARH 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.
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.