CLAREMONT, NH–Valley Regional Healthcare was notified last night by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that a patient who was tested at the hospital is positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. “All proper precautions were taken with this patient to ensure the least amount of risk to our colleagues, patients, and visitors,” said a hospital spokesperson. “The team was prepared to care for this patient, followed protocols appropriately and our preparedness efforts around the virus are in line with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and DHHS guidelines.”
The statement from the hospital further stated, “We adhere to strict confidentiality standards and therefore will be unable to provide information on the patient. We are working with DHHS to identify any close contacts of this patient and will follow up with any others with whom they may have had contact since the patient’s possible exposure. The patient is currently recovering and being closely monitored.
“As we often do during infectious disease outbreaks, we have implemented new temporary visitor restrictions which generally preclude any visitors to the Inpatient, Emergency Department or Urgent Care areas although there may be some specific waivers on a case-by-case basis. We urgently request cooperation from our community to adhere to these temporary restrictions that are so important to mitigate the spread of the virus. We also remind you to practice excellent hand hygiene, refrain from touching your face, use social distancing techniques and avoid large gatherings. Further, we request you only present to the Emergency Department if you are in immediate need of emergency services.”
If you have a fever or symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), please call the hospital’s COVID-19 Hotline at 603-542-7850 for instructions.
As a healthcare institution in our region, we frequently and effectively provide care for those with infectious diseases,” said VRH. “We have been preparing for the potential presence of the virus in our broader community and we are confident in our ability to maintain the health and safety of our staff, patients and visitors.”
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