Health announces increase in COVID-19 cases, community spread

Published 4:39 pm Thursday, April 2, 2020

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

From the Health Department:

Stanly County Health Department has identified six cases of COVID-19 in the county, two of which are community spread. Community spread means that people have tested positive for the virus without having come in contact with a person having known COVID-19.

People may have mild or no symptoms and not know they are sick but still be out in the community.

Residents can do several things to protect themselves from COVID-19 in the community.

● When shopping, try to send one member of the household into the store to get supplies;

● Shoppers must follow signs and directions posted by stores to enable social distancing; keep six feet away from other people inside and in a parking lot;

● Shoppers should wait for the customer ahead to check out before placing their items on the check-out counter or conveyor;

● When shopping, get what you need and leave, please don’t socialize;

● The CDC is currently reviewing guidance for the general public on wearing a mask. There is evidence that suggests an individual wearing a mask can lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections such as coronavirus to others. In other words, my mask could help protect you and your mask could help protect me.
○ If you have to go out for essential services, use a mask if you have one;
○ If you don’t have a mask, use a homemade mask such as a handkerchief, scarf, T-shirt, or bandana to cover your mouth and nose;
○ Wash hands or use sanitizer before putting on and after taking off a mask;
○ Cloth masks should be washed between use;
○ Wearing a mask is in addition to maintaining a six feet distance from other people and is not recommended to replace social distancing guidelines.

COVID-19 Information Resources:

Stanly County Coronavirus Helpline (704)986-7483 or Email: Covidhelp@stanlycountync.gov

NC Coronavirus Hotline: Dial 211, 24/hrs 7 days a week

To check the number of cases in the county visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc