Clay County resident has tested positive for COVID-19, currently in isolation

CLAY COUNTY, N.C. PRESS RELEASE – The Clay County Health Department was notified early this morning that a Clay County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has been in isolation, and the health department will continue to monitor them throughout the rest of their isolation time. The Clay County Health Department will continue necessary contact tracing on this patient in identifying other close contacts. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released.

Clay County has been vigilant in prevention efforts but has been preparing for the reality that we could reach this point eventually. The identification of this positive status does not detour us from our efforts, and we will continue to adapt to the guidelines as set forth by the State of North Carolina and the Federal Government as information becomes available. Our staff has planned, trained, and is fully prepared to take on any challenges that may come our way, but our resolve stands firm that we will work together for our citizens.

It is advised that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness should isolate until the following criteria are met:

• 7 days have passed since the onset of symptoms; AND
• At least 72 hours without a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and respiratory symptoms are improving

Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow.

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the Clay County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.

The Clay County Health Department regularly updates our county call-in-line 828-389-8052 ext. 110 with information regarding COVID-19 as well, we encourage the public to call or see our Facebook page for up-to-date information. There is an additional local call line for the community at 828-835-4258 that is staffed from 9 am-12 pm and 1 pm-4 pm.