Moore County Public Safety Sunday announced new coronavirus protocols regarding 911 calls to the call center.
A caller is always asked questions regarding their medical emergency to “determine the appropriate level of response needed.” However, dispatchers asking COVID-19 screening questions.
“These questions DO NOT slow the dispatching of emergency units,” said Moore County Public Safety. “We do ask that you please answer the COVID-19 questions honestly. Even if the answer is yes, help is still on the way it just allows our first responders time to don the appropriate PPE.”
Screening questions will help keep first responders healthy and working.
“The county needs our EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement personnel to remain healthy and not quarantined, so they can continue to serve you the citizens of Moore County,” said Moore County Public Safety.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has listed the following information regarding COVID-19:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
How does COVID-19 spread?
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. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about how COVID-19 spreads and how to protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses.
Exposure and symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
The CDC recommends you stay home and separate yourself from other people in the home as much as possible if:
You are sick with COVID-19
You believe you might have it
You think you might have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms
Before going to a health care provider, clinic, hospital or emergency room, call ahead to describe your symptoms and how you might have been exposed to the virus. In the event of an emergency call 9-1-1.
Learn more about COVID-19 exposure and symptoms.
Find out more about current testing options for COVID-19.
