Cumberland County Has Three New Positive Coronavirus Cases
Cumberland County has announced three new positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) for residents here, bringing the total up to eight. The county also announced it will no longer offer individual case announcements, but instead will just have daily updates by 5 p.m.
The release is below:
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health has been notified of three new positive COVID-19 cases involving Cumberland County residents. There are eight total positive cases in Cumberland County.
Two cases were reported by Womack Army Medical Center Department of Public Health and they are conducting the contact investigation. One case was from a private provider, and Cumberland County Public Health is handling that investigation and will notify any contacts who fall under the guidelines for additional monitoring and testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a “close contact” as being within 6 feet for 10 minutes or more.
Going forward, Cumberland County Public Health will not send individual press releases for each case. The county’s case count will be updated on the Cumberland County COVID-19 page at co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19 each day by 5 p.m. starting Thursday, March 26.
“I encourage all residents to stay at home except for essential work, picking up food, groceries, and medicine, and seeking healthcare or other essential services” said Health Director Jennifer Green.
Drive-Thru Test Collection
The Health Department tested six individuals at the pilot drive-thru test collection on Tuesday, March 24, and will continue drive thru test collection on Thursday, March 26. Test collection will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. while supplies last and staffing is available. The sample collection will occur at the Public Health Center, 1235 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, in the parking lot off Hillsboro Street.
The Health Department will reassess after Thursday about continuing test collection based on changing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NC DHHS. If you have mild symptoms, it is now recommended that you self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor yourself.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face. This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
To protect the health and safety of our staff and clients, test collection is by appointment and referral only. Appointments are limited so the department can manage its supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).
If you are uninsured, call 910-433- 3638 to be screened and schedule an appointment for test collection.
If you are insured, please go to your private provider to be screened and tested for the flu. Once you receive a negative flu test, your provider can fax a referral for COVID-19 testing to the Public Health Department, which will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Before arriving at the Health Department for testing:
- Bring your ID to confirm your appointment.
- Help protect the public and our staff.
- Do not arrive at the Health Department without an appointment. We are unable to accommodate individuals without an appointment, including other persons in your vehicle.
- When you arrive, stay in your vehicle. There will be staff available to guide you through the line and do the test collection from your vehicle.
- If you are using other means of transportation, practice social distancing (stand at least 6 feet away from others), when you arrive.
- If you consider yourself in need of COVID-19 testing, you are declaring you should self-quarantine. You can expect to confirm your willingness to immediately be quarantined in your home for up to 14 days.
- If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or call ahead then go to the Emergency Room.
Only those who meet the following criteria should ask their doctor or local health department about being tested for COVID-19:
- Have fever or lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the past 14 days; OR
- Have fever and lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and a negative rapid flu test
Precautions:
- All residents are encouraged to increase prevention measures and practice social distancing.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched (like your phone, tablet, countertops and daily work surfaces).
- Stay home and away from others when you are sick. Seek information from credible sources including the Cumberland County COVID-19 webpage at co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19 and the NC DHHS website at ncdhhs.gov.
For information on County services, call 910-678-7657 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health has been notified of three new positive COVID-19 cases involving Cumberland County residents. There are eight total positive cases in Cumberland County.
— Cumberland County, NC (@CCNCGov) March 25, 2020
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