No local resident
has tested positive
Update: Gov. Roy Cooper declared a statewide state of emergency in response to five more people testing positive for the COVID- 19 coronavirus on March 10. As of Thursday morning, there were 11 presumptive positive cases in the state, and one CDC-confirmed positive case. For updates from the state, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.
Murphy – Although both North Carolina and Georgia have reported cases of coronavirus, local residents shouldn’t be too concerned, according to the Cherokee County Health Department.
No one from Cherokee County had been tested for the virus as of Friday afternoon, Health Director David Badger said. He added there’s “no truth at all” to rumors that a local physician’s office had to be sterilized by the health department.
Rebecca Hand, communicable disease nurse at the health department, said the only people who should be concerned are those who are showing symptoms and have traveled to an affected country – China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea – or those who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
“You really aren’t more at risk than the next person,” she said.
Hand added the coronavirus is the cause for many colds, but the COVID-19 variety of it affects the lungs and causes pneumonia. A positive test for any other coronavirus should not cause alarm.
“There’s a lot of coronaviruses, but it’s not the coronavirus,” she said.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the coronavirus disease is a respiratory illness spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. There is no vaccine to protect against the virus, and there is no specific antiviral treatment, although people with the virus may seek medical assistance to help relieve symptoms.
The CDC recommends the same prevention measures to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus:
- avoid close contact to those who are sick;
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Those who are sick are asked to stay home, cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, plus clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. For most people, Hand said the symptoms will be very mild, and some will not see symptoms at all. Those affected more are the elderly, the very young and those with health issues.
She added that the state has mandated that the health department monitor those who have been to an affected area or who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, like the person who tested positive in Wake County. The health department has also reached out to the assisted living facility, and is working with them on plans to limit visitors and disinfect the facility.
They’ve also sent out guidance from the CDC to businesses like Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel and John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown about proper environmental cleaning to help prevent the spread of illness.
“If they’re doing their part, they’re doing what they need to do,” Hand said.
Cherokee County Schools is also working with the health department, and will be taking their direction on the closure of schools, if needed. As of now, there is no recommendation to cancel events or activities. The leadership and custodial staff at all schools are following “an intense cleaning regimen,” including cleaning and sanitizing all frequently touched objects and ensuring adequate supply of tissues and hand sanitizer.
The health department is also working with Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Peachtree, even training lab technicians for proper test collection. All tests are sent to state labs.
Anyone who feels they need to be tested for the coronavirus are advised to contact the health department. Erlanger is also prepared to isolate the illness as soon as a patient enters the emergency room or a physician practice, according to a statement from Susie Aft, director of patient safety and quality for the hospital.
Hand said they will only test those who fit the parameters, as directed by the state. As of last week, they hadn’t had to test anyone, although the health department had received phone calls from those concerned.
She said she cannot speak to what airports are doing with travelers before they return to Cherokee County. However, anyone who was tested or evaluated before returning would be given instructions to follow.
Hand said some calls have been from people concerned because they were on a plane with an Asian person. “Not all Asian people have been exposed,” she said.
Hand added that people do not need to be clearing the shelves of masks and hand sanitizers. All coronaviruses are basically the same and can be killed with sanitizing products like Lysol, which has already been in short supply in many local stores.
She said it’s still flu season, plus strep throat is also going around. The same precautions for those illnesses work for coronavirus.
“If you think you’re sick, stay home,” Hand said.