This news item expired on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Updated: 3.19.20
Today the State announced the first case of community spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina. As we continue into this new phase of response, testing for COVID-19 in people with mild illness will transition to a more focused testing approach for hospitalized patients, healthcare personnel, and residents of congregate living settings.
This is an evolving situation and we are continuing to assess the needs of our community. Community testing sites are being reevaluated to ensure the most effective use of resources. Check www.buncombecounty.org for updates on testing sites. We will continue to post information here as it is available.
What to do and when to seek medical evaluation and advice:
- If you or your child have fever AND cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider or an urgent care if you do not have a healthcare provider.
- Do NOT show up at your healthcare provider’s office or the urgent care without calling first.
- Do NOT go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve the most critically ill.
- If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and tell them your symptoms.
- If you do not have a healthcare provider and cannot afford to be seen at an urgent care, call 828-250-5300 to speak with a Communicable Disease (CD) nurse at BCHHS. Leave a message and a CD nurse will return your call as quickly as possible.