ROCKPORT — Earlier this week, Pen Bay Medical Center identified its first in-patient, who tested positive for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The patient required a brief hospitalization at PBMC and has been discharged home.

From the outpatient setting through the emergency department and hospitalization all infection prevention precautions were taken, according to a March 27 news release. 

“Appropriate CDC-recommended personal protective equipment guidelines was used throughout,” according to spokesperson Jen Harris. “Our goal is to ensure the health and safety of all patients and care team members.”

Pen Bay Medical Center is evaluating patients who have signs and symptoms consistent with infection caused by coronavirus. 

“The care team members are well prepared to care for patients diagnosed with COVID-19,” the release said. “At PBMC, the Hospital Incident Command System has been activated, and care teams that have trained and planned for this possibility are staying up to date with the latest guidance from the CDC.”

Most cases of COVID-19 infection bring flu-like symptoms that are mild to moderate and can be treated at home, said Pen Bay Medical Center Mark Fourre said, stressing that patients need only be treated at a hospital in the small minority of cases where symptoms are severe.

“If you feel you need medical attention, call your primary care provider before going to a healthcare facility,” the release said. “ If you do not have a primary care provider and need emergency care, call the emergency department before going to the ED.”

It is critical to choose reliable sources for the latest information. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Maine CDC and MaineHealth are your best sources for up-to-date factual information about COVID-19.

“We strongly recommend you visit their websites at: www.cdc.gov, www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc and www.mainehealth.org/healthy-communities/coronavirus,” the release said.