Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Most people who get COVID-19 will recover without needing medical care. But it's important to monitor your symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
  
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Seek medical attention immediately if you develop emergency warning signs.

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or believe you may have the infection, isolate yourself and avoid contact with others. You can leave home when you answer YES to ALL three questions:

• Has it been at least 10 days since the first symptoms?
  
• Has it been at least three days (72 hours) without fever without taking medication for fever?
  
• Are other symptoms improved?

Not everyone needs to be tested.

• Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.
  
• There is no treatment specifically approved for individuals who are not hospitalized.
  
• Testing results may be helpful to inform decision-making about who you come into contact with.
  

Public Health will continue to work with our partners to ensure COVID-19 screening and testing are available to all who need it in our community, regardless of insurance coverage.

Talk with your healthcare provider or call the Public Health hotline at 980-314-9400, Option 1 to speak with a community provider. Call before visiting a medical office.

• Use this interactive map to find a testing site. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and everyone is at risk of infection. Individuals with a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 include:

• Age 65 years and older.
  
• Live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
  
• Have a high-risk medical condition including chronic lung disease, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, or other underlying medical conditions.

• Practice the Three Ws: WEAR a face covering, WAIT six feet apart, and WASH your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning product.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
  
• Practice social distancing by staying at home and staying at least six feet distant when you need to go out.
• Wear a cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
• Stop smoking. Smoking or vaping can lead to greater risk for COVID-19 complications. Visit Tobacco-Free Mecklenburg for help quitting.
  

• County Transitions to State's Stay at Home Order
  
• Stay at Home Order, through May 8
  
• Stay at Home Order, April 16
  
• Stay at Home Order, March 24
  
• FAQ: Stay at Home Order
  

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