HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - A patient at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital Forest Campus that was being tested for COVID-19, according to an email sent to staff, has tested negative.
That original email, marked confidential, states the patient at the hospital on Skipwith Road met the CDC’s criteria to be tested for Coronavirus. The patient was reported as being in stable condition and staff caring for the person took precautions including wearing protective gear.
A hospital spokesperson tells NBC12: “A patient presented with symptoms that met the CDC’s new guidelines for testing, the test was performed and was negative.”
Despite the negative test result, starting this week Henrico Doctors’ is directing visitors and patients to specific entrances so they can be properly screened.
“HCA Virginia hospitals have protocols in place to care for patients with infectious diseases, and we are working diligently to help ensure we’re prepared for potential issues related to COVID-19. Our preparedness efforts include reinforcing appropriate infection prevention protocols and guidance from the CDC, ensuring we have necessary supplies and equipment, and emergency planning.”
“In addition, as we often do during heavy influenza outbreaks, visitor restrictions have been instituted in patient care areas. Starting this week, visitors and patients are being directed to use specific entrances to allow visitors to be screened. We have positioned supplies at points of entry, so that any potential symptomatic patient who arrives can be properly masked and immediately isolated to protect our colleagues and other patients. Additionally, patients will be limited to 2-3 visitors at a time,” HCA hospitals said in a statement.
This information comes following Governor Ralph Northam’s press conference Wednesday where he said 17 people have been tested throughout the state. At the time, fourteen people had tested negative with three test results pending.
State health officials say COVID-19 is “a serious public health threat.” But at the same time saying the risk for Virginians right now is low.
The governor says now is not the time to panic, rather prepare yourself for what may come.
“My top priority is to keep Virginians safe and also to keep you informed with up-to-date and accurate information. I want to assure Virginians we are actively monitoring this new disease and it’s spread,” said Northam.
Bon Secours and McGuire Veterans said they do not have any pending coronavirus cases. VCU Medical Center would not comment on patient care for coronavirus.
Copyright 2020 WWBT. All rights reserved.