Doctors and officials at Emerson Hospital have shut down the Emergency Department this evening due to hazmat situation involving a patient. 

According to an emailed statement from Emerson Hospital Spokesman Bonnie Goldsmith, a patient who arrived in the ER this evening was "at risk for the possible need to be decontaminated" and is currently being evaluated. 

The hospital's potentially contaminated area has been secured and all patients, visitors and staff are safe, Goldsmith said. The hospital is on divert.

The possible contaminate is unknown at this time and Goldsmith said it could be several hours before officials can confirm the nature of the substance.

According to scanner and social media reports, the ER was reportedly shut down around 6 p.m. after the discovery of a "suspicious white powder" outside of the entrance to the ER.

Both the Concord Fire Department and Concord Police Department are working with the hospital. Hazmat crews are on scene. 

Stay tuned to Concord Patch for updates on this story.

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