By Jordan J. Phelan
[email protected]
CLAREMONT — Valley Regional Healthcare officials announced the first positive test for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the city in a press release issued Wednesday morning.
This is also the first case identified in Sullivan County. As of Tuesday morning, health officials had recorded a total of 26 cases spanning Carroll County (1), Grafton County (7), Hillsborough County (4) and Rockingham County (14).
The person, whose gender and status have not been made available, was positively identified Tuesday night.
Valley Regional Hospital officials noted that “all proper precautions were taken” in examining the patient in an effort “to ensure the least amount of risk to our colleagues, patients, and visitors.”
“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 Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines,” the press release states. “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.”
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Valley Regional Hospital has also 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,” the press release states. Care teams will, however, use discretion in specific circumstances, including end of life care and patient safety. This protocol is similar to those practiced at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where a Vermont woman from Windsor County in her 70s is currently being treated.
Officials emphasize the importance of practicing excellence hand hygiene, refraining from touching your face and using social distancing techniques to prevent and mitigate the spread of the virus.
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 further instruction.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.