Haywood County by the numbers, to date:
Negative results 116
Positive results 3 - two out of the three are now considered “recovered”
Awaiting results 23
Total tested 142
Meaning of “recovered”
Recovered means they have met the criteria to come out of isolation and are well.
Current criteria:
-At least 7 days since symptom onset
-At least 72 hours with no fever off any med that would suppress a fever
-Improving symptoms
Post isolation recommendations are to continue good handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, distancing measures and wear a mask until fully well.
Haywood County Health Director COVID Message for April 7, 2020
Pandemics force us to rethink habits and traditions (stop shaking hands, start washing hands more, for example).
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 will eventually inspire (because necessity is indeed the mother of invention) an array of new technologies, creative expressions (colorful masks?) and other innovations. We’ll become more frugal and resilient by necessity and eventually more grateful when we survive this.
Masks: COVID-19 is transmitted by inhalation of droplets and aerosols from an infected person (even pre-symptomatic) or touching a surface where those droplets have landed throughout the duration of their infection. We do know the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings. The use of masks has become a source of confusion and controversy.
Cloth masks: Primary value in assisting wearer from touching their face, which is an important non-pharmaceutical intervention. They may also decrease risk of breathing in large droplets.
Surgical Mask: Used in healthcare settings by healthcare workers (HCW) and as a control to limit virus dispersal from a symptomatic isolated patient.
N-95 (“respirator”) Mask: The only option that can ensure protection for frontline HCW’s dealing with COVID-19 cases. HCW’s should be fit tested to ensure right size and adequate protection before use. N-95’s should be reserved for use by frontline HCW’s dealing with COVID-19 cases and Healthcare/First Responders (EMS, Law Enforcement)
It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus along with wearing a mask. Be part of the solution, wear a mask in public.
Community Transmission: When a person becomes infected with COVID and has no relevant travel history or indication of coming in contact with someone with the disease it’s a sign of community transmission. That’s Haywood County more than likely, right now. See attachment. Community spread can come from a person with no symptoms or very mild symptoms, but they are contagious and can pass on the infection at work or shopping. See how Community transmission works with the simulator below.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/
Easter and Social distancing: Easter is the most important holiday of the Christian tradition. Most of us have many fond Easter memories of community worship and family time. Let’s not make 2020 a year of disastrous Easter memories filled with regret. Haywood County clearly has community transmission right now. For the ultimate good of all of the people of Haywood County PLEASE stay home and social distance on Easter Sunday so we can all be here to celebrate Easter 2021. Next year we can all go back to Easter services, egg hunts, and big family dinners, but this year plan on celebrating over the phone and internet to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Rumors: Public Health does not release any identifying information about patients. Period! So don’t believe the fake information on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc! There have been rumors circulating that a person in Haywood County positive for corona virus worked at Lowe’s. It’s unclear where this rumor started, but I can confirm this is NOT accurate.
Credible Sources: The most up to date information and guidance can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html [cdc.gov] and https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina [ncdhhs.gov], and https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/684/Coronavirus-Covid-19-Information
