Loudoun Officials Urge Residents Not To Delay Emergency Care

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Recent trends show that people suffering symptoms of serious medical conditions are not visiting emergency rooms or calling 911 out of fear that they may be exposed to the new coronavirus, according to the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.

The Loudoun Fire and Rescue System and StoneSprings Hospital, located on Route 50 in the Arcola area, are working together to ensure residents are not delaying critical emergency care because of COVID-19 fears.

"Calling 911 at the first sign of a serious medical condition such as a heart attack or stroke could save your life, or a loved one’s," Loudoun Fire Chief Keith Johnson said in a statement. "From dispatchers to first responders, the emergency response system is prepared to help you safely and quickly, even during a pandemic."

Local emergency rooms have put in place policies and procedures to protect patients and staff.

“If anyone is experiencing emergency symptoms of any kind it is both safe and necessary to seek medical attention," Laura Cook, M.D., medical director, emergency department at StoneSprings Hospital. “At StoneSprings Hospital, we are taking the specific measures outlined below to ensure our ER is safe for patients to receive care."