Update reported from Elmira City Police:

Elmira Police have determined the package to not be a threat. The package was identified as a gift to an employee. The box was filled with candy, and no harmful substances were identified.

The package was removed from the premises and the area surrounding the Emergency Department entrance that had been temporarily closed is now reopened for patients.

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – A bomb squad headed to Arnot Ogden Medical Center after someone noticed a suspicious package Tuesday afternoon, prompting a heavy police presence at the hospital.

Reports first came into 18 News around 4 p.m. The EPD said the package was first delivered to St. Joseph’s in Elmira before being distributed to Arnot Ogden. An employee noticed the words “This is not a bomb” written on the package.

Police believe the package came from a past patient and was intended for an employee.

The ER was evacuated as well as nearby offices and rooms.

As of 5 p.m., police said the ER entrance was still closed, and a New York State Police Bomb Squad out of Endicott is on its way.

EPD also said they believe everything is safe and there are no current threats.

According to a statement from Arnot, a “suspicious package” was received earlier this afternoon outside the Emergency Department entrance, and “out of an abundance of caution”, Elmira Police were called to the scene.

Arnot also said the hospital is not being evacuated, but patients to the Emergency Department are being sent through the ambulance entrance.

New York State Police confirmed that the Elmira Police Department was handling the incident.

Arnot’s full statement can be read below:

A suspicious package was delivered to Arnot Ogden Medical Center this afternoon.  Out of an abundance of caution, Elmira Police have been notified and are on campus.  The package has been isolated outside of the Emergency Department entrance and precautions are being taken to protect the safety of our patients and staff while the police conduct their investigation.  Contrary to social media posts, the hospital is NOT being evacuated and Emergency Department patients are being rerouted through the ambulance entrance.

Arnot Ogden Medical Center

18 News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.