COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)

Richmond County Update

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NC Department Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). 

On your cellphone, touch the link to call
Richmond County COVID-19
Hotline (910) 417-4947

Preparation and Response 
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and Richmond County Health and Human Services will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance.

It will only take one individual to start a community spread. It is critical that everyone take this very seriously as we strive to keep our community safe. 

April 7, 2020, Richmond County, NC Update: 

• As of 2:00 pm, April 6, 2020, Richmond County has ONE laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. The individual and household members are in home isolation at this time. This case is believed to be travel related through work. In this instance, work is unrelated to any business in Richmond County
• At this time, 277 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 in Richmond County. 236 test results have been returned and all results received have been negative.

As of 5:30 am April 7, 2020: 

• North Carolina has reported 3,221 cases of COVID-19. 
• 354 are currently being hospitalized in NC with COVID-19. 
• 70% of COVID-19 deaths in North Carolina at this point have been males. 
• 42% of all NC cases are ages 25-49. 
• 80% of North Carolina COVID-19 deaths have been age 65 and over.

There is  NO curfew in Richmond County, NC

You do not need any kind of paperwork to travel to and from work

Remember the mass gathering restrictions (10 or less )

Remain at least six feet away from others when out of the home

Governor Roy Cooper has instituted the following mandates: 

No mass gatherings of more than 10 individuals are allowed.  This includes church and funeral services. 

A stay-at-home (or residence) order is mandated. Individuals are allowed to leave their homes for essential trips such as work, food, medicine, exercise and to help others. 

When away from home, practice social (physical) distancing of at least 6 feet from others.

This Order permits the following businesses to remain open: 

• Restaurants that provide take-out, drive-thru, or delivery 
• Grocery stores ABC stores and beer and wine stores 
• Doctors and other healthcare providers 
• Pharmacies 
• Hardware stores 
• Post offices 
• Office supply stores 
• Gas stations and convenience stores 
• Veterinarians and pet supply stores 
• Hotels, airlines, buses, taxis, and rideshare services 
• Places of worship 
• Child care providers (that are following the required NCDHHS procedures)
• Essential Governmental Operations:  all services provided by the State or any municipality, township, county, political subdivision, board, commission or agency of government and needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies or to provide for or support the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
• Essential Infrastructure Operations:  Includes, but is not limited to food and beverage production, distribution, fulfillment centers, storage facilities, construction, landscaping, building and grounds management, railroads, highways, public transportation, cybersecurity operations, solid waste, etc.

Outpatient Testing Center Hours: 

Individuals should be referred by their primary healthcare provider, Health Department, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 910-417-4947 for COVID-19 testing. Collection samples for COVID-19 are being collected through First Health, the Health Department and other health providers as needed. The location for the COVID-19 testing referrals is the former Sandhills Regional Hospital located on Highway 74 in Hamlet. The testing site is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm. Each person will be screened for symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to determine if the COVID-19 test should be collected. If you need medical attention before the next scheduled drive-thru clinic for COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your health care provider, the Health Department, or call the COVID-19 hotline. For urgent or emergency needs regarding COVID-19, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

What is the difference between self-monitoring, isolation, and quarantine?

These are protective measures used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among people who may have been exposed.

Self-monitoring 

Are for those that may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, and they should monitor themselves for symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If they develop symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) during the self-monitoring period, they should self-isolate, limit contact with others, and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider or their local health department to determine whether a medical evaluation is needed.

Quarantine 

Are for people who were exposed to a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 but are not experiencing symptoms.

Isolation 

Is to separate people who are sick from those who are well. The people who test positive for COVID 19 in North Carolina are in placed in isolation.

Notices: 

Richmond County, City of Rockingham, and Town of Dobbins Heights Parks and Recreation Facilities:

All playgrounds, picnic areas, and restroom facilities will be closed until further notice. Walking trails (where available) will remain open for public use. However, individuals choosing to walk, jog or run shall remain at least 6 feet apart and no groups of more than ten individuals shall be together.

Richmond County Nursing / Retirement Homes Visiting Policy (COVID-19)

The following visitation restrictions are now in place at the following facilities:

Richmond Pines Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center:  

Regular visiting is not allowed, except for hospice and end of life residents and providers for those residents that have psycho-social needs.  Temperatures are monitored prior to entrance and hand washing is required before and after a visit.  Providers are escorted to and from resident rooms and escorted out of the building. 

Pruitt Health:

No visiting policy was implemented on March 13th per Governor Cooper.  The only exception is the death of a resident.

Hermitage Retirement Center:

Closed to visitors; only open to healthcare nurses or hospice staff. 

Hamlet House:

Closed to visitors until further notice.

Richmond County Hospice Haven:

Visiting is allowed from 8 AM to 8 PM.  Screening is conducted on all visitors during visiting hours.  Visiting is restricted from 8 PM to 8 AM - only one person can spend the night.   

For more information:

North Carolinians with questions or concerns:
 call the COVID-19 phone line toll-free at 866-462-3821.
This helpline is staffed by the North Carolina Poison Control 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

 NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus  
(includes future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina)

What are coronaviruses? What is COVID-19?

CDC Link to COVID-19 Information

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause illness in animals and humans. Some coronaviruses commonly circulate in the United States, and usually cause upper respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose, although some can cause more serious illness. The 2019 novel (new) coronavirus causes the illness COVID-19. First identified in Wuhan, China, and is now being spread throughout the world the risk to the general public in Richmond County still remains low at this time. People are encouraged to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases. 

What precautions should I take?

Take the same precautions that you would use for the seasonal flu (influenza). 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose; throw it in the trash, not your pocket
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched such as doorknobs, computer, laptops, and cell phones

Who is considered a high-risk individual?

• People age 65 and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Other high-risk conditions include:
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have heart disease with complications
• People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
• People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index greater than 40) or
• certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled,
• such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be
• at risk

How does COVID-19 spread?

CDC Link to Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities

Coronaviruses, like COVID-19, are most often spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, through close personal contact (including touching and shaking hands) or through touching your nose, mouth or eyes before washing your hands.  

Help up prevent the spread of such a virus:

• Keeping your child home if they have had a fever, used fever-reducing medication, or experienced symptoms of illness within the past 24 hours
• Stay home when you are sick with a fever, using fever-reducing medication, or experiencing symptoms of illness within the last 24 hours
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:

• CDC does not recommend that people who are not sick wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. 
• The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

What are the Symptoms?

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

What if I’ve been exposed?

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, you may need to seek medical attention. Call your doctor or medical provider for further guidance. Before going to a health care provider, clinic, hospital or emergency room, call ahead to describe your symptoms and how you may have been exposed to the virus. 

In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Let the dispatcher know that you think you have been exposed to COVID-19.  

Resources

The print materials and resources below are available for downloading and printing.

Share Facts About COVID-19: English

What you need to know: English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese

What to do if you are sick: English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese

Stop the spread of germs: English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese

Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
 English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese

CDC Protect and Prepares Communities: English

Stay Healthy Wash Your Hands: 
8.5 X 11- English, Spanish.
11 X 17- English, Spanish

Wash Your Hands: English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Portuguese, Urdu

Keep Calm and Wash Your Hands: 
8.5 X 11- English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese.
11 X 17- English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese