Surry County Health and Nutrition Center Announces Confirmed COVID-19 Case

Dobson, NC—3/25/2020— Surry County Health and Nutrition Center officials were notified Wednesday, March 25, 2020 of the County’s first confirmed case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Center is working closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure appropriate measures are taken. The person is doing well and is in isolation at their home.

Surry County Health and Nutrition Center’s staff is working to conduct contact tracing to further protect the health and well being of the County’s residents. “I understand that people are concerned, but I want to assure you that we are prepared,” stated Samantha Ange, Health Director. “We anticipated that we would eventually identify a case in Surry County. We are working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to quickly identify and respond to cases that might occur.”

Most people impacted by COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and are able to fully recover at home. Mild symptoms are defined as having fever and cough. Treatment is focused on symptom management. NC DHHS guidance released on March 23, 2020 recommends that people with mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19 do NOT need testing and should be instructed to stay home to recover. Coming out to be tested may spread illness to others in the community, including those with a higher risk of complications. Anyone who develops mild symptoms should self-isolate at home until it has been at least 7 days since symptom onset and 72 hours since symptom resolution (including no fever without the use of fever reducing medication and improved respiratory symptoms).

Surry County Health and Nutrition Center is urging residents to continue to practice social distancing in an effort to limit exposure to others and to protect yourself. Social distancing means the avoidance of crowded places and maintaining distances of at least six feet from other people. In addition to social distancing, it is important for everyone to remember the importance of practicing everyday preventative actions that can help prevent the spread of illness:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of the tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, cell phones, computers, light switches, doorknobs, and handles) using a household detergent and water.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, and if your hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol.

Residents with general questions about COVID-19 can call NC 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162.

Additional information related to COVID-19 can be found by visiting the following resources:

• NC DHHS: www.ncdhhs.gov 
• CDC: www.cdc.gov 
• Surry County, NC: www.co.surry.nc.us