North Carolina announces statewide COVID-19 testing, results reporting required
News July 7, 2020
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) took action to decrease barriers to COVID-19 testing by issuing a Statewide Standing Order for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing, as well as a State Health Director Temporary Order on COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Reporting.
These actions will help to increase access to testing across the state, especially for members of historically marginalized populations, and increase reporting of North Carolina test results, both positive and negative, to the state.
“Testing is an important component of the state’s strategy to slow the spread of the virus, and today’s order will make it easier for North Carolinians to get tested,” said NCDHHS State Health Director Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D.
The Statewide Standing Order allows testing sites to collect and submit samples to a laboratory for COVID-19 testing without requiring a specific order and authorizes testing sites to receive results directly from laboratories. This will facilitate community-based testing sites and reduce barriers to testing, especially for members of historically marginalized populations who may be less likely to have a medical home.
Read the Statewide Standing Order for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing here.
COVID-19 Numbers for Clay County
Lifestyle, News May 7, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – As COVID-19 cases continue to grow, Clay County Health Department (CCHD) releases daily updates on its coronavirus-related numbers.
The following information is from the September 23rd update.
Confirmed cases in Clay remain low when compared to many surrounding counties with only 140 total positives according to the health department.
CCHD also releases recovery numbers and so far, 126 cases are no longer testing positive for COVID-19. Currently, there is 14 active case currently known in the county.
1,602 Clay residents have been tested and 1,519 were negative.
CCHD issues a disclaimer as well that the numbers won’t add up to the number tested because of pending results and confirmations.
Statewide the NCDHHS has confirmed 196,501 cases in 99 N.C. counties. 912 are currently hospitalized, and 3,345 have died.
If you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the CCHD at 828-389-8052 to speak to a provider to determine if you need to be tested.
Those suspected of having COVID-19 should isolate in an effort to stop the spread of this virus. Persons should remain isolated when sick until the following criteria are met:
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.
Clay to receive $432,732 in federal funds for COVID-19 relief
Press Release, State & National May 26, 2020
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced that $85.4 million in federal funds provided for COVID-19 relief to counties will be disbursed this week. Three large counties, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake, have already received funds directly from the federal government, and 59 other counties that have completed certification will receive funds this week from the state-administered Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that was passed by Congress. Counties are encouraged to support municipalities with the funding as needed.
“Everyone is working hard to make ends meet, including county governments as they finalize their budgets,” Governor Cooper said. “These funds will help communities respond to the COVID-19 crisis with testing, personal protective equipment and more.”
Though the federal government did not require that the state share any of the $3.56 billion in the CRF to North Carolina local governments, Governor Cooper’s COVID-19 budget proposal recommended $300 million be allocated to counties and municipalities. Ultimately, the unanimously approved and bipartisan budget that Governor Cooper signed included $150 million for counties which have the flexibility to share monies with their municipalities as county commissioners deem appropriate. The full distribution of funds is listed here by county, along with instructions to counties about how the funds may be used.
list of counties receiving federal aid.
The CRF funds may be used for medical needs including the COVID-19 related expenses of public hospitals and clinics, including testing; public health expenses, such as personal protective equipment and other medical supplies, as well as the cost of cleaning public areas and facilities such as nursing homes; payroll expenses for public safety or healthcare employees dedicated to responding to the COVID-19 emergency; and expenses to comply with public health measures, including teleworking, distance learning, food delivery, paid leave for public employees, expenses for maintaining prisons, and protecting the homeless population.
By state law, the 97 remaining counties will receive a base amount of $250,000, with more distributed by population. This quick disbursement of funds was coordinated by the state Office of State Budget and Management and the new North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NC PRO).
NC PRO is a temporary office that coordinates and oversees funds made available through federal and state COVID-19 recovery legislation, including the CRF. The office offers technical assistance for entities which receive funds and ensures proper reporting and accounting of all funds. The office will also work on the state’s economic recovery and strategic plan as North Carolina rebuilds from this pandemic. Two staff members will help lead the office’s recovery efforts:
Stephanie McGarrah will serve as Executive Director of the Office. A native of western NC, McGarrah most recently worked with the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) to help identify, measure and address health care workforce shortages across the state. Prior to that, she served as Vice President of Policy at the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) and as a consultant for UNC Health and taught and conducted policy research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. From 2007 to 2013, Stephanie served as Assistant Secretary at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master degree in public policy from Duke University.
Dwayne Patterson will serve as the Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer for NCPRO. A Kinston native, Patterson most recently served as Director of the Division of State Parks and Recreation. Formerly, Patterson served as the executive director for CREST, a regional non-profit agency that serves intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. His public service positions include serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Chief Deputy Secretary for the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and Chief Financial Officer for the Warren County and Durham public school systems. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from N.C. State University.
For questions about how CRF funds may be used, go to the NCPRO website for more information.
N.C. Work First Cash Assistance families to receive economic aid
Community, Press Release, State & National May 22, 2020
RALEIGH — Today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) began distributing a one-time supplemental payment to families enrolled in the Work First Cash Assistance program with one or more children. These payments are intended to help vulnerable families during the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So many North Carolina families are in need right now, with many people out of work or seeing a reduction in working hours,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “This one-time payment will provide thousands of our most economically vulnerable families with extra financial support to help pay for basic necessities.”
All Work First Cash Assistance families that received a benefit in April and had one or more children in their household will receive a supplement of $265 per child for a total of more than 17,000 children. Some families will receive the payment today on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, others will receive the payment on Monday via a direct deposit.
Work First is North Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The Work First program provides parents with short-term training and other services to help them become employed and move toward self-sufficiency. Families in which grandparents and relatives are caring for their relative children and legal guardians can receive services and support that prevent children from unnecessarily entering the foster care system.
To learn more about the Work First program, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/work-first-family-assistance.
To learn more about North Carolina’s broader COVID-19 response, visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
Clay County Schools establish end of year grading plans
Clay County Schools, Community May 5, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – Clay County School System (CCS) implemented specialized policies in accordance with NCSBE for students’ end of year grading.
State leaders wanted the grading to positively impact students whose homes suddenly became their classrooms. As a result, students couldn’t receive a failing grade and assignments turned in after March 13 are held at a minimum. Only students who were previously failing before the schools closed and they made zero effort to bring up their grades.
How students will be assessed differs according to grade level. Kindergarten through Fifth will not receive a grade, but feedback on individual progress.
Middle schoolers (6-8) will receive passing or withdrawn course marks and can make up credits at a later date.
Ninth through Eleventh students will have an option on how they their grades are recording. Option One: they can receive their numeric grade as of March 13 or currently if that grade is higher.
Option Two: They can take a passing or withdrawn grade. Withdrawn scores won’t receive credit, but students have a make-up opportunity.
CCS counselors are creating recommendations for high school students and parents to review before they make a final decision.
For high school seniors, CCS pulled the grades from March 13 if those scores were essential for graduation. If they were failing, they could raise grades through online learning. Non-essential courses could receive a withdrawn mark. College courses fell under the college’s jurisdiction.
At this time, prom and graduation will hopefully be rescheduled for July depending on the state’s reopening plans.
“All of our students are given 13 years to master the standards to that are required to earn a diploma in the state of North Carolina,” said Superintendent Dale Cole. “A grade is nothing more than our attempt to measure progress.”
Superintendent Dale Cole during the Facebook Live meeting
Cole went on to say that he believed the state made a decision between “equity and accountability.” Grades are often used to compare student progress, but the school can’t control a student’s resources outside of their education.
“If we were going to going to grade kids based on work they were doing at home, and we don’t control the environment in which they’re working,” explained Cole. “There’s a lot of inequity. It would not be fair to give grades to students when they don’t have equal access resources or possibly an environment in which they can succeed.”
Phase One of reopening North Carolina begins on May 8
Business May 7, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, residents of N.C. will have certain restrictions lifted as the state moves toward reopening.
In Phase One, the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses is removed and individuals can leave their homes for any commercial activity that is open. Small outdoor gatherings are allowed, but gatherings more than 10 are still prohibited. Religious services and First Amendment activities are also allowed but must follow social distancing protocols. However, the 10-person limit doesn’t apply to these gatherings, but they should gather outside unless impossible.
“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”
Those who do decide to go out they are encouraged to wear a face mask, carry hand sanitizer, wash their hands whenever possible, and regularly clean high-touch surfaces.
“When leaving home and wear it inside all public settings such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail or public-serving businesses. A Face Covering should also be worn outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six (6) feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer,” states the Executive Order.
Retail stores can operate at 50 percent capacity. Additionally, customers must stand six feet apart and retailers should provide hand sanitizer, screen employees, and frequently clean. NCDHHS is posting the screening questionnaire online.
Phase One summary from Gov. Cooper’s office.
Businesses that remain closed are bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms.
Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, takeout and delivery.
All employees are encouraged to wear face masks or coverings and Cooper still recommends teleworking whenever possible.
Long-term care facilities are still closed to visitors.
Parks are encouraged to open if they can accommodate social distancing, but playgrounds should remain closed.
Childcare facilities will be open to serve families who need the assistance. The organizations are required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.
In explaining the decision to move to Phase One, Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:
- Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
- Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.
- Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
- Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
- Laboratory Testing – North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.
- Tracing Capability – The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.
- Personal Protective Equipment – Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.
The order is in effect until 5 p,m, on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase Two. Phase Two only start if data and indicators are in the right place.
Erlanger physicians takes extra measures to determine if Care Center employee has COVID-19
News, Press Release April 17, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. PRESS RELEASE – At 5:30 p.m. on April 16, 2020, the Clay County Health Department was made aware that a staff member of the Clay County Care Center had fallen ill and had presented to the Emergency Room at Erlanger Western Carolina with clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19. A rapid COVID-19 test was given to the patient and that test was negative, however, the attending physician, as well as other consulting physicians, agreed that they were moving forward with this as a presumptive positive and sent off for a confirmatory COVID-19 test.
Following the most current guidance for presumptive positives as defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, all presumptive positives are handled as if they are true positives until a confirmatory test comes back as negative.
Due to the nature of this facility being a skilled nursing facility with multiple live-in residents; the Care Center’s Medical Director, Executive Director, and the Clay County Health Department Staff decided to err on the side of caution and be proactive in assuring we are doing what is best for the health of the community and doing preemptive COVID-19 testing for all staff and residents. Testing began within 5 hours of the initial notification from the hospital to the Health Department and extensive coordination happened in a tight time frame from all parties involved to assure all state guidance and recommendations are followed.
The Clay County Care Center has notified all employees and 98% of families where most appropriate – leaving messages for the rest. All contacted have been most appreciative of these efforts, and testing will be completed by the afternoon of April 17.
Scott Alexander, Executive Director for the Care Center, wants to stress that any families that might have any further questions can reach out at any time.
The Clay County Health Department is working diligently on this matter, and more information will be forthcoming.
For information about an asymptomatic patient who worked at The Local Market, click here.
Asymptomatic Towns County resident tests positive, worked at The Local Market
News, Press Release April 13, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, NC – An asymptomatic Towns County, GA resident that was working from March 28, 2020 – April 10, 2020 at The Local Market, otherwise known as “Aztec” or the “Bypass Store” in Clay County has tested positive for COVID-19 at an area hospital.
This individual is in isolation in Towns County and is doing well. All known contacts have been notified, and testing has either been completed or will occur tomorrow morning. All that have been tested have been given official isolation orders, and those that are being tested have been instructed to self-quarantine. No contacts have reported any symptoms. It is advised that if you went into this establishment during the dates above and had contact with anyone less than 6 feet from you for 10 minutes or longer, you quarantine yourself and monitor for symptoms of illness for 14 days from the date of potential exposure.
If you become sick during this time, you should isolate yourself and your household in an effort to stop the spread of this virus. Persons should remain isolated when sick until the following criteria are met:
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.
If you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the Clay County Health Department at 828-389-8052 to speak to a provider to determine if you need to be tested:
- Healthcare worker
- 65 years and older
- Underlying health conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; people with weakened immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease.
- First Responder
- Essential worker
For more information about Georgia cases visit DPH website.
Information about that previous Clay County case confirmed here.
For daily updates on N.C. and Ga cases, check out Fetch Your News’ daily update page.
DPH Release – Expanded Testing For COVID-19 In Georgia
Featured, Health April 15, 2020
Revised Testing Criteria and Increased Number of Test Sites
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is increasing the number of specimen
collection sites statewide for COVID-19 testing, and is revising the current testing criteria to
accommodate more testing of Georgia residents.
Effective immediately, all symptomatic individuals will be eligible for COVID-19 testing. Health
care workers, first responders, law enforcement and long-term care facility residents and staff will
still be prioritized for testing regardless of whether they are or are not symptomatic.
Referrals are still required, however, there are now two ways to be referred to a DPH specimen
collection site:
Local Health Department –
Individuals who meet COVID-19 testing criteria may now be referred to DPH specimen collection
sites by contacting their local health department. They will be screened by appropriate health
department staff and referred to the closest, most convenient specimen collection site.
Contact information for local health departments can be found on the DPH homepage, under COVID-19 in Georgia.
Health Care Provider Referral –
Health care providers and/or physicians can and should continue to refer patients for COVID-19
testing.
People should not arrive unannounced or without a scheduled appointment at a specimen
collection site, hospital, emergency room or other health care facility. Only individuals who have
been evaluated by public health or a health care provider and assigned a PUI # number will
be referred to these drive-thru sites.
Together we can stop further spread of COVID-19 in our state and save lives.
Stay home – the Governor has issued a shelter-in-place Executive Order that should be observed
by all residents and visitors.
Practice social distancing – keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
Wash your hands – use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) if soap and water aren’t readily available.
Wear a mask – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of face
masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, especially where socials distancing is difficult to
maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.), and especially in areas of significant community-
based transmission.
For more information about COVID-19 Click here or
Click Here.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and
@GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
Record visitation seen at N.C. public lands during COVID-19 pandemic
New Business, Press Release, State & National April 7, 2020RALEIGH, N.C. –Visitation at many state forests in North Carolina (N.C) is two and three times greater than what is typical for this time of year, which is stretching the resources of the sites and making it harder for people to practice proper social distancing. Visitors are asked to strictly follow social distancing guidelines to help keep public lands safe, available and open to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Public lands, including state forests and parks, and national forests are experiencing record-high attendance, making social distancing difficult to achieve,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While public lands are a great natural resource, we are urging visitors to observe the CDC and public health’s recommendations of 6 feet of spacing between each other, frequent and thorough handwashing and staying home if you do not feel well.”
Many public lands have temporarily closed, restricting public access until further notice due to heavy visitation. N.C. Forest Service officials note that some visitors are following social distancing guidelines while others are not. Many state parks, state forests and national forests are experiencing large congregations of visitors in parking areas.
Information issued by the N.C. Forest Service.
For anyone planning to visit public lands during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some helpful social distancing guidelines to help you recreate responsibly:
- Stay close to home. Enjoy outdoor recreation in your neighborhood. Faraway places are wonderful but traveling long distances can increase your potential to spread illness.
- Pay close attention to guidance in your community before heading outside. Acknowledge any guidelines, restrictions or closures mandated by your local or state government.
- Expect closures. Use the restroom before leaving home.
- Avoid times and places of high use. Visit early in the day or in the middle of the week.
- Keep hiking groups to three people or less.
- Wash your hands and follow CDC guidelines carefully.
- Be a good steward for nature and the people around you.
To download Social Distancing Guidelines for N.C. State Forests and for updated information about public access to state forests during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit this link. For status of state parks, visit the state parks website. For a complete list of closures across the National Forests in N. C. please visit this link
Fourth Clay County resident tests positive for COVID-19, isolation at Area Hospital
News, Press Release April 9, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – The Clay County Health Department received its fourth positive COVID-19 test result for a county resident early this evening. The individual is in isolation at a local hospital. All contacts have been notified, have no symptoms, and have been compliant with the stay-at-home orders since late last month. CCHD will perform in-home testing for the contacts and index case prior to society reintegration. Due to contact tracing, we believe this positive is a result of community spread, because the index case had no contact with a known positive. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released by the Clay County Health Department.
We have also received back four negative test results today, and have been diligent in continuing education and outreach on preventive measures, disinfection protocols and have kept contact with all current quarantine and isolated cases for our county.
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 9am-12 and 1pm-4pm. To receive messaging from the State text COVIDNC to 898211.
For more information about previous cases, click here.
Second and third COVID-19 cases in Clay County confirmed within 24 hours
Health, News April 1, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – Clay County Health Department has reported two additional COVID-19 cases within 24 hours of each other.
The second individual was an attendee at the Folk School Dance on March 10th, and as a result of being present at that event where multiple other positive’s have been confirmed, specialized testing was performed in coordination with regional partnerships on March 24th for those attendees. This individual began quarantine since the day of the initial positive report on an attendee on March 18th and began isolation at the time of testing. The Clay County Health Department is following State guidance on the continuation of their isolation period for extra precaution. All potential contacts of this individual have been notified. This individual has maintained contact with their physician and health department staff, and is doing well. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released.
The third positive COVID-19 case has been determined for Clay County. This individual is doing well in recovery after experiencing only mild symptoms and has been in isolation since testing on March 24th. It has been determined through contact tracing that they are linked to the index case that attended an event at the Folk School. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released by the Clay County Health Department.
The Clay County Health Department has been utilizing various laboratories for our residents testing kits based on the criteria that is set forth by the State or by our Medical Director and providers. These laboratories all have been running off of different timelines for results, which we understand can cause anxiety. It is important to remember that regardless of what laboratory we use, everyone that is tested is issued isolation orders until we receive those tests back. When the results are received, we are able to give guidance on if the isolation time period needs to be extended – or if they are released from those orders to resume normal activities. Be mindful, that we are still receiving exponentially more negative test results back than positives, and those positive cases have been mild for our residents. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends impacted by the passing of our Cherokee County neighbor as a result of complications associated with COVID-19.
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 9am-12 and 1pm-4pm. To receive messaging from the State text COVIDNC to 898211
Teachers unite with Hayesville Brewing to provide student meals
News March 28, 2020
HAYESVILLE, NC – Classes are canceled at Clay County Schools, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but teachers continue their quest to ensure the well-being of their students during a difficult time. Many children rely on school meals for daily nutrition, and hunger won’t pause for the health crisis to pass. One such teacher is petitioning Clay County residents to kindly assist in the effort to keep local children fed.
Hayesville Brewing Company
“If anyone wants to help with our FREE BREAKFAST/LUNCH program during our closure of our schools, please go by today or call the HAYESVILLE BREWING COMPANY (across) from Jacky Jones Ford on Highway 64, and donate $12.00,” Tammy Jones Dills, the athletic director of Hayesville Middle School said. “The owners of the Brewery have graciously stepped up to help with this need. Your $12 donation will purchase a case of Styrofoam containers for the program, most cases have 150-250 containers in them, so that means you are helping feed that many children. Also, while you’re there pick up your lunch/dinner. The delivery company has graciously dropped their normal price of $19.50 a case to $12 a case after they found out it is for helping feed our students. If you live out of town and you still have those Hayesville roots running deep in your blood, you can send directly to the school, we are not set up to accept donations via credit or debit, but donations can be made by mailing a check or money order made payable to Clay County Schools.”
“Again thank you to all those that have donated and continue to donate towards this cause,” Dills said.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos Extends Temporary Closure Through April
Business, News April 2, 2020
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New Data Supports Social Distancing Now More Than Ever
Featured, Health, News April 3, 2020
News Release from the Department of Public Health – April 2, 2020
Atlanta – As Governor Brian Kemp and DPH Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D.,
M.P.H., finalize the details of the Executive Order requiring Georgians to shelter in place, it is
important to emphasize why these measures are needed now to keep all Georgians healthy and
safe and to stop the spread of COVID-19.
For weeks it has been known that people who were positive for COVID-19 but did not have
symptoms likely were able to transmit the virus. However, on March 30, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield, M.D., confirmed that new data indicates
that as many as 25% of individuals infected with COVID-19 remain asymptomatic. Additionally,
science also now informs us that individuals who are symptomatic, are infectious up to 48
hours before symptoms appear. This new information tells the health care community,
medical researchers, public health and governments why COVID-19 is spreading so rapidly.
“Until now, containing the spread of COVID-19 has been based on early detection and isolation
of people with symptoms of the virus,” said Toomey. “Social distancing and keeping people
apart from each other are now more than just recommendations; they are the best weapons we
have to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
In addition to social distancing, all Georgians are reminded to wash their hands frequently and
thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) when
soap and water aren’t available. Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes with
unwashed hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and throw the used tissue in
the trash.
To read more about the presymptomatic transmission of COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6914e1.htm?s_cid=mm6914e1_w
For more information about COVID-19 https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and
@GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
Clay County resident has tested positive for COVID-19, currently in isolation
Business March 30, 2020
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.