Bladen County Health Department Director Dr. Terri Duncan said Friday afternoon that no cases of COVID-19, or coronavirus, have been reported in Bladen County, but the situation is being closely monitored. She said the current risk to the public remains low.
Cape Fear Valley Health, which includes Bladen County Hospital, said Friday that no patients have been diagnosed with the disease throughout its system. Donnie Byers, the public relations coordinator for the health system, said that preparations have been made if a coronavirus case is confirmed.
As of Friday afternoon, two cases of COVID-19 have been reported in North Carolina – one in Wake County and another in Chatham County.
Duncan said Friday in a news release that Bladen County Health Department officials have been working closely with local and state partners, including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, local healthcare providers, first responders, schools and other county departments in preparation for any reports of coronavirus in Bladen County.
If you believe you may have COVID-19 and have recently traveled to a region experiencing an outbreak and have a fever and respiratory symptoms, Duncan says that you should contact your doctor or the Bladen County Health Department at 910-862-6900. Before you visit your provider, call ahead and inform them of your travel history and symptoms.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus or the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. Additionally, North Carolina has established a COVID-19 helpline at 866-462-3821.
Cape Fear Valley Health has produced a 28-minute video on its Facebook page that details signs and symptoms of coronavirus, who is at risk and how to call a physican office or hospital for treatment.
The coronavirus is a flu-like virus that recently emerged in Wuhan, China, jumping from animals to humans. Common signs of infection include fever, cough and shortness of breath. More severe cases can cause pneumonia and acute respiratory syndrome.
The Bladen County Health Department is offering information sessions about the virus to organizations or community groups. Call the department at 910-862-6900 to set up a meeting.
The Bladen County Health Department recommends the following as precautions to use for protection from respiratory illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19.
**Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
**Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
**Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
**Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away.
**Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
Additionally, make sure you are getting reliable information from sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NCDHHS.
Businesses and employers should reinforce good hand hygiene tips and other common-sense precautions with employees and patrons, the Bladen County Health Department recommends.
Additionally, businesses should:
**Review policies and procedures for remote or teleworking where possible.
**Cross-train employees for key functions so that daily schedules can continue relatively uninterrupted by potential employee absences.
**Review absenteeism policies to make sure employees are not being encouraged to come to work if they are sick.
**Review recommendations for cleaning practices.
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