ARNPRIOR – While the risk of coronavirus remains low for Canadians, Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) is well prepared, ready to respond and closely monitoring the novel coronavirus as the situation unfolds.

“The coronavirus risk to our patients is currently low and it’s business as usual at the hospital and Grove,” ARH Patient and Resident Services vice president and chief nursing executive Susan Leach said. “In the background, however, we are working closely with our regional healthcare partners and internal clinical teams to ensure the right preparation is done in case it’s needed.”

ARH is actively screening patients in the Emergency Department with a focus on recent travel history and specific symptoms to determine if there may be a risk. Any patient who is screened positive for the novel coronavirus will be placed on additional precautions while testing is completed.

In addition to recent travel, symptoms to watch for include fever and/or the onset of a cough or exacerbation of a chronic cough. If a community member suspects they have the virus Public Health’s advice is to go to the Emergency Department for testing and diagnosis. Upon arrival at the hospital, infection control guidelines are provided, and the care team will need to know about any recent travel and symptoms.

“The safety of our patients, clients, and residents and the broader community is our priority,” Leach said. “To help stop the spread of illness, we encourage individuals to practice regular hand hygiene and to not visit a hospital patient or Grove resident if they feel ill or have respiratory symptoms.”

For the most up-to-date information about the novel coronavirus situation, please visit the Renfrew Public Health website.

ARH is a progressive 105-bed organization that includes a fully accredited community hospital, nursing home, primary health care centre and extensive community programs. ARH is a regional hub with a strong history of providing exemplary care to the residents of West Carleton, McNab/Braeside, Arnprior and Mississippi Mills.