First positive COVID-19 case in Perquimans County confirmed

Published 5:52 am Saturday, March 28, 2020

: This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. In this view, the protein particles E, S, and M, also located on the outer surface of the particle, have all been labeled as well. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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Albemarle Regional Health Services Health Director R. Battle Betts Jr., MPA has received notification of the first lab confirmed case of COVID-19 in Perquimans County. On Friday, March 27, ARHS reported that the individual is in isolation.

ARHS is following North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on contact tracing of all individuals who may have had close contact with the case. Close contacts are defined as having direct contact with, or been within six feet for at least 10 minutes, of a case-patient while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment. Caregivers and household members of the case-patient are considered close contacts.

Public health interventions are and will continue to be an important tool to reduce transmission and prevent the spread of COVID-19. ARHS continues to ask members of the community to be vigilant in practicing preventive and safety measures to help prevent the spread of the virus. These precautions include:

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– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

– Stay home when you are sick.

– 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 spray or wipe.

– Wash 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 with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

– Practice social distancing; stay at least six feet away from others, avoid unnecessary travel, avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact.

To slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected, ARHS advises that communities should be following the guidance set by local, state and federal officials to reduce frequency of contact and increase physical distance between persons, thereby reducing the risks of person-to-person transmission.

Further information about COVID-19 can be found here:

Albemarle Regional Health Services: http://www.arhs-nc.org/

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/

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