News Flash

We currently have recorded 39 cases of COVID-19 in Haywood County (16 new cases since last week). Twenty are considered “recovered” and 19 are sick and isolated at home.  22 are male and 17 are female. The average age so far is 43. The youngest is in their teens and the oldest in their 70’s.

The numbers:

• North Carolina is moving into Phase 2 of reopening this weekend. See the attached FAQ for information. Haywood County is currently seeing a leap in COVID-19 cases. The increase has been due to community transmission as well as family and other close contact transmissions. "Community Transmission" means people test positive and their point of exposure can’t be identified.  This happens because people can be infected for 2-14 days before showing symptoms, giving the virus plenty of time to circulate in the community and spread before the infected person realizes that they are sick and quarantines. The safest bet is to assume that the virus is present in Haywood County and act accordingly. That’s why it’s important to keep implementing the essential interventions, ESPECIALLY as we move into Phase 2 of reopening this weekend. Remember the basics this way :

This information may be getting repetitive, but we still see people disregarding the most basic guidance on a daily basis. It’s best to protect yourself, your coworkers, and your household by minding your W’s and remembering your I.Q (Thanks to Dr. Jaben).

• It’s National EMS Week!  Thanks to all of the Emergency Medical Services workers in Haywood County and their leader Greg Shuping.  Not only are they the first responders in everyday emergencies, but they have also been on the frontline of COVID-19 response planning for our community. EMS-Ready Today, Preparing for Tomorrow. Thank you for your dedication!

·         Haywood County Schools will continue its feeding program throughout the summer. See attached. Good on them!

• Powerful article attached: “What matters is the people we love and helping people.”

·         Ever wonder how the N-95 mask was designed? It was a woman way back in the early ’60s. Give it a listen. https://www.npr.org/2020/05/21/859991324/how-one-woman-inspired-the-design-for-the-n95-mask

• Did you know? The CDC has a page dedicated to frequently asked questions.  It’s full of extremely helpful information and guidance specific to different business, situations, groups, and species: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
  
• As always, please be sure to check reliable sources for COVID-19 information. 
  • https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
  • https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/684/Coronavirus-Covid-19-Information
  • https://www.facebook.com/haywoodcountync.gov/

Stay safe over Memorial Day weekend. Remember those who sacrificed their lives for the peace and security of our county.