COVID-19 in your county? Here’s a look at the reported cases in the area
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - As the number of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) cases continue to pile up across the Carolinas, the WBTV viewing area is feeling a great impact.
Two coronavirus-related deaths in the state were in Cabarrus County, although one of the patients was from Virginia, who was just passing through North Carolina, and doesn’t care toward the state’s fatality count.
Health officials say that reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
The symptoms -- fever, cough and shortness of breath -- may appear between 2 to 14 days after exposure.
If you have general questions related to COVID-19, call the North Carolina COVID-19 hotline at 866-462-3821
Here is a county-by-county rundown of the confirmed positive results across the area:
Mecklenburg County: On Sunday morning, health officials said that 336 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County.
“I want to continue to encourage our community to follow the Public Health Orders that have been issued to help stop the spread of this disease in our community,” said Gibbie Harris, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director. “As the situation evolves, we will continue to provide more data and make decisions to protect the health of our residents.”
A community spread case means that a person tested positive, but health officials are unable to track how they may have been infected. The person would not have had contact with a known case or have traveled recently.
Mecklenburg County is currently under a “stay-at-home” order.
Iredell County: According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Iredell County has 13 confirmed coronavirus cases, as of Thursday afternoon.
Union County: The county total for positive COVID-19 results in Union County is climbing.
Health officials say that as of Saturday afternoon, the county has 35 positive coronavirus cases.
The county has had seven-day per week hotline, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 704-292-2550.
Cabarrus County: Cabarrus Health Alliance Interim Director Erin Shoe said the county has now 21 positive cases of COVID-19, as of Thursday morning.
The county had 12 on Tuesday.
Cabarrus County issued a “stay-at-home” order beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
“Our team of nurses is investigating each of the additional cases,” Shoe said. “If you or a loved one takes a COVID-19 test, you are required to isolate yourself until your test results return.”
Gaston County: As of Saturday, March 28, the Gaston County Department of Health & Human Services has received 17 positive coronavirus tests.
Gaston County officials said that their number increased by six since last reported on Wednesday.
The county announced a “stay-at-home” order at Thursday’s press briefing.
“We realize a confirmed case in our community can cause alarm, but this is further proof we need to continue to comply with our social distancing directives and requests,” said Gaston DHHS Director Chris Dobbins. “As testing increases, we anticipate we will see more positive cases and I have never been more confident in our ability to track contacts and monitor individuals to slow the spread.”
Cleveland County: A fifth Cleveland County resident has tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The person involved in this case did not recently travel or have direct contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, indicating community transmission. Local health department personnel are working with the individual to identify close contacts.
“This is the second case of COVID-19 in the county that appears to be caused by community transmission,” Interim Cleveland County Health Director Deshay Oliver said. “This confirms that COVID-19 is now spreading throughout our community. I strongly urge county residents to comply with the Stay-at-Home Executive Order that goes into effect Monday at 5:00 p.m. Residents should only leave their homes for essential services and, when doing so, should take proper precautions such as social distancing and hand-washing.”
Rowan County: Rowan County now has 22 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus, according to an update from the Rowan Health Department.
Catawba County: Two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Catawba County, bringing the county’s current total case count to 14.
There have been 503 people tested for COVID-19 in Catawba County and 172 negative results have been received. The remaining test results are pending. There have been no deaths associated with COVID-19 reported in Catawba County.
Public Health is investigating confirmed cases to identify close contacts who may be affected. Close contact is defined as being within approximately 6 feet of a person infected with COVID-19 for 10 minutes or longer, according to the CDC.
Stanly County: The health department was notified on March 20 of its first presumptive positive COVID-19 case in Stanly County.
The individual is isolating at home and cooperating with public health officials.
Watauga County: A fourth Watauga County resident has tested positive for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). This case had travel history and has been in isolation since being tested. The local public health staff have identified the close contacts, who have been in quarantine.
“We recognize that another case may cause increasing concern in the community. Remember, you can help us slow the spread of this virus. Stay home to the greatest extent that you are able, especially if you are a person who is at a higher risk for severe illness. If you do become ill, call your healthcare provider or call AppHealthCare to speak with a public health staff member before going to your provider or the emergency room,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director, AppHealthCare.
AppHealthCare is working closely with local partners and agencies to ensure the public’s health is protected and precautions are being taken to protect all residents of Watauga County.
“We recognize this is a challenging time for all of us to quickly adapt as the situation changes and we are confident in our community partnerships to continue our response efforts. We urge everyone to follow current public health guidance to protect our community,” stated Deron Geouque, Watauga County Manager.
Burke County: Burke County health officials have three confirmed positive coronavirus cases.
The county announced the new cases on Saturday, March 28.
York County: The South Carolina DEH announced on Thursday another new case of COVID-19.
The county now has 19 confirmed positive virus cases.
“The release of additional information by DHEC to the counties is appreciated and a good first step,” York County Council Chairman Michael Johnson said. “The governor has done an excellent job working with local governments.”
Lancaster County: Lancaster County had another confirmed coronavirus case, the SCDEH said on Friday, March 27.
Lancaster County now has eight coronavirus patients.
Lancaster Medical Center received a positive test result that a patient in the hospital has tested positive for COVID-19.
The patient and/or family has been notified prior to releasing the information publicly.
The patient is in fair condition and is alert and oriented.
The patient is being cared for by care team members who are using appropriate PPE and precautionary measures.
Chester County: Health officials say Chester County has one confirmed coronavirus case.
Chester County Supervisor Shane Stuart said, while his county has one confirmed case of coronavirus, there remains concern for first responders.
A former Chester deputy, Stuart called the lack of information to first responders “a huge issue.”
Stuart said he understands the need for privacy in medical care, but losing medical or emergency personnel to contagion could harm the government’s ability to protect the public.
DHEC has not been publicly releasing specific detail on new cases — like where patients live in each county, if the patients have been hospitalized, or how patients may have contracted COVID-19. The department released a breakdown Wednesday on who is contracting the virus in the state.
DHEC has informed officials it will send counties information about specific zip codes for positive cases, along with other demographic information including the age of the patient.
Chesterfield County: According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Chesterfield County now has four confirmed cases of COVID-19, as of Friday afternoon.
Rock Hill Herald contributed to this report
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