The following information comes from the Union County government offices.
Union County’s Division of Public Health, in coordination with the North Carolina Division of Public Health, has identified a Union County resident whose illness has tested positive for COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. The North Carolina Division of Public Health confirmed the positive result for COVID-19 on March 18, 2020.
“Union County Division of Public Health and our Communicable Disease team are working with state and federal health partners to follow all protocols and guidance to limit exposure to this respiratory disease,” said Dennis Joyner, Director of Public Health. "We know this is a fast-evolving situation and anticipate additional cases. We are working diligently to prevent the spread. We advise residents to take precautions, including staying home when sick."
Public health officials are identifying contact between the Union County resident and others, to monitor potential development of symptoms in other individuals and limit exposure to others. The individual is being monitored and following other protocols in accordance with guidelines by the CDC. To protect individual privacy, no further information will be released at this time.
"We understand the community may be concerned by a positive for the virus close to home," said Michelle Lancaster, Deputy County Manager and Human Services Agency Director. "Our Public Health team has anticipated further spread of the virus and has prepared for this situation. At this point, we strongly encourage residents to stay informed and take every precaution recommended by the CDC to limit exposure to, and spread of, this virus."
Union County is continuously updating its COVID-19 web page. Any additional positive cases of COVID-19 will be updated on the Union County web page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is constantly monitoring the situation and regularly updating its website. There are several preventative measures people should be taking to remain healthy. North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services has guidance for families, facilities, businesses, and more to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If an individual has COVID-19 symptoms, they should contact their primary care provider for evaluation. If they do not have a primary care provider, call a local urgent care center or a hospital emergency room and ask for guidance on how to be evaluated for COVID-19. Individuals should not arrive at a healthcare facility without calling first to seek guidance on preventative measures upon arrival to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Testing for COVID-19 is coordinated through healthcare providers. Physicians will determine if testing is necessary based on a variety of conditions; including, but not limited to: symptoms, possible exposure to COVID-19, travel history, etc.