PIKEVILLE – Pikeville Medical Center announced Wednesday the opening of a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week flu center along North Mayo Trail in Pikeville.

In a press release Wednesday, the hospital said the decision to open the center came after President Barack Obama issued an emergency declaration due to the flu outbreak.

The Pikeville Medical Regional Flu Center will open its doors on Nov. 2 at 8 a.m. in the former Free Screening Center, located on North Mayo Trail beside Advance Auto Parts. The facility will be fully staffed with physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals and offer complete testing, x-ray and lab services.

“We have implemented a proactive approach to combating the flu virus in our communities,” said Pikeville Medical Center President and CEO Walter May. “This is a very serious issue, and we stand ready to meet the challenges that may arise from this virus.”

May added that patients should use the center, especially if they wish to be tested for the virus.

“If you are concerned that you may have the flu and wish to be tested, please go to the regional flu center,” said May. “This will help eliminate the spread of the virus to the general population of the hospital.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 31 cases of swine flu through Floyd, Pike and Letcher counties. The outbreak prompted school officials in both Floyd and Pike counties to cancel classes on Oct. 27 for the remainder of the week.

“We applaud school officials for their efforts in keeping the virus contained at their facilities,” continued May. “Our hospital continues to monitor the flu outbreak closely with city, local, state and federal officials.”

For more information about the flu center, call (606) 437-1887.