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Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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4/8/2020

This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and updated information will be provided as it becomes available.
The information on this page was last updated on 4/8/2020.

STAY AT HOME. STAY SIX FEET APART. Together, we can slow the spread.
ALERTCOVID-19 in Mecklenburg County: 848 cases diagnosed, 10 related deaths.

Mecklenburg County residents are under a County Stay at Home Order and a State of North Carolina Stay at Home order. Both orders require residents to:

  • Remain at home and avoid non-essential contact with others.
  • Limit trips for groceries, gas, and other essentials.
  • If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet from others at all times.
  • What is or is not allowed?


EVERYONE, even people who are young and healthy, must stay home (except for activities considered essential) and practice physical social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. If there is a question about which Order to follow, the Order that is the most restrictive in any circumstance should be followed.

To learn more about the County Stay at Home Order, call (704) 353-1926, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Are you a medical professional who wishes to volunteer? Please refer to North Carolina Training Exercise Response Management System (TERMS) for training and information.

Social Distancing Works

If each infected person spreads the virus to two other people, the chain of infection grows exponentially. Avoiding even one social transmission early can significantly reduce the number of infections. It is possible that an infected person can infect others before they show symptoms.

Diagram showing how even just 30% social distancing is a vast improvement in flattening the curve vs no social distancing.



Other Important Information

Trusted information sources for Mecklenburg County and North Carolina:



Risks and Protective Measures

If you believe you have come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) here is how you can determine your risk of contracting the virus.

NO RISK: Waiting by or briefly being in the same room as a person who tested positive for COVID-19 and experiencing symptons (fever, cough, shortness of breath)
LOW RISK: Being in the same room as a person who tested positive for COVID-19 and had symptoms, but you were not within six feet.
MEDIUM RISK: Sustained close contact (10 minutes or longer) within six feet of a person with COVID-19 while presenting symptoms.
HIGH RISK: Close household contacts of people with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are at an elevated risk.

What is my risk of infection?

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.

When should I be tested?

Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Here is information to help make decisions about seeking care or testing:

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

Mecklenburg County Public Health will to work to make COVID-19 evaluation/triage and testing available to all who need it in our community regardless of insurance coverage. Talk with your healthcare provider or call the Mecklenburg County Public Health hotline 980-314-9400, Option 1 to speak with a community provider. Call first before going to a medical office.



What if I feel sick?

Most people who get COVID-19 will recover without needing medical care.

Here is additional information if you begin to feel sick. To talk with a medical professional about evaluation and/or testing for COVID-19, call your healthcare provider or the Public Health hotline at 980-314-9400, Option 1 to speak with a community provider.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately and describe your symptoms and any known COVID-19 exposures.

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

  • Has it been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms?
  • Have you been without a fever for three days (72 hours) without any medicine for fever?
  • Are your other symptoms improved?

Here is additional information about isolation. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms are getting worse or you have any concerns about your health.

Practice Good Hygiene

Please follow the following good hygiene practice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • 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 regular household cleaning product.
  • 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 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 do need to go out.



Still have questions? View our Frequently Asked Questions
or call the Mecklenburg County Public Health Hotline at 980-314-9400.
Hotline is available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2pm.




Resources



Watch the latest MCPH COVID-19 Press Conference
Watch the latest MCPH COVID-19 Press Conference.

close alert Health Alert: To prevent spread of COVID-19, County services are operating at a limited capacity.