On Wednesday, April 1, Cape Fear Valley Health learned that a provider at Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care tested positive for COVID-19. The pediatric practice is located at 1262 Oliver St., Fayetteville. The provider had not been at work since Friday, March 27, and was not symptomatic at the time of providing patient care.
Upon notification, Cape Fear Valley coordinated with the Cumberland County Department of Public Health to evaluate the risk of exposure to patients and staff of the pediatric practice.
Cumberland County Health Department conducts a thorough contact investigation for each positive case. Based on investigation guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Department has determined that the risk of exposure to patients seen at the office during the week of March 23 is low, and thus is not advising additional contact tracing or individual patient notification at this time. Risk for exposure is based on identifying persons in close contact (within six feet for at least 10 minutes) with the positive individual when the person is symptomatic.
Most people do not need a test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home if you have mild symptoms – such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. You can call your doctor to see if you need medical care. If you are sick with COVID-19 or believe you might have it, you should stay home and separate yourself from other people in the home as much as possible. Call your doctor or 911 right away if you have shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or blue lips.
There is evidence of community spread in North Carolina. Health officials strongly urge individuals stay home unless seeking essential services, food, or health care.
Out of an abundance of caution, Cape Fear Valley has elected to close Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care to allow for a terminal clean of the building and to ensure no other staff members become symptomatic. Existing patients who have upcoming appointments are being notified of the office closure and those with necessary appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Patients seen the week of March 23 who have concerns about possible COVID-19 exposure should contact the practice’s triage line at (910) 615-4801.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
