03/15/2020
Updates on the COVID - 19
Information below is selected directly from the Ashe County Health Department communications as a source of reliable and accurate information
Summary A respiratory disease named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”) caused by a novel coronavirus named “SARS-CoV-2” was first detected in China in late 2019 and has subsequently spread to many other countries, including the United States.
The World Health Organization announced a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30 and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency on January 31, 2020.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. The most up to date information and guidance can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/coronavirus/providers.html.
Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever1 and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing).
Testing for the virus is not recommended for asymptomatic persons.
Testing is recommended :
In any person who has fever or signs/symptoms for lower respiratory illness, or any persons who has had close contact with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 individual within 14 days
In any person with fever or signs/symptoms for lower respiratory illness and neg PCR influenza testing with a history of travel from affected geographical areas within 14 days of symptom onset.
Public health staff will be continuing to monitor calls from the public. We encourage people to not visit the Emergency Department unless there is a true medical emergency.
General questions from community members and agencies inquiring about COVID-19 can call the office number Alleghany (336) 372-5641, Ashe (336) 246-9449, Watauga (828) 264-4995 and dial x2222.
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