Montgomery County Coronavirus Patient In Critical Condition, Being Treated At University Of Pennsylvania Hospital
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) -- Doctors are closely watching a Montgomery County resident who is in critical condition with the coronavirus. A spokesperson from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania says the patient is being cared for under proper precautions in order to protect other patients and hospital staff.
Penn Medicine is currently treating the region's first case of COVID-19 that left a patient in critical condition.
"They are one of the best medical centers in the country. I think that the expertise that is here is sufficient," hospital visitor Peter Alff said.
The patient tested presumptive positive due to exposure from international travel. The hospital has implemented recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes an isolation room. Putting a patient in quarantine helps provide optimal medical care for patients and also protects staff and other patients.
"I trust them with my life so if that patient has the virus, they will be OK," visitor Clyde Kennedy said.
A national leader in the field, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania cares for patients with diseases of all kinds.
A representative says the facility is fully prepared to evaluate and care for anyone who may be infected with the coronavirus.
"It's definitely something to keep an eye on and be concerned about," Philadelphia resident Storm Paul said.
"It is concerning how fast it is spreading but listen to public health officials and not panic," Alff said.
As the hospital tends to the presumptive positive case, normal operations continue throughout the facility.
Elsewhere in Montgomery County, Conshohocken has postponed its Saint Patrick's Day Parade at the recommendation of health officials. The parade was scheduled for the upcoming weekend but will now be held Saturday, March 28.
County health officials have advised people to avoid large public gatherings.
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