The Moore County Health Department was notified of another positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result on Sunday March 29, 2020 by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Sunday’s confirmed positive case was found to be unrelated to the previous seven positive cases. This is the 8th case since Moore County was notified of its first case on March 18. To protect privacy, no further information about the individual who tested positive will be shared.
Sunday’s case also marks the second such case in Moore County attributed to “community spread.” Community spread means someone has been infected but health officials aren’t sure where or how because they did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient with COVID-19. Instances of community spread emphasize the importance of adhering to social distancing and basic personal control measures.
Moore County Health Department staff are monitoring the individual who tested positive and will follow up with anyone who is identified as a close contact. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “close contact” as being within six feet for 10 minutes or more.
The Moore County Health Department continues to urge all residents to take measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if 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.
Health officials also encourage everyone to implement social distancing measures to reduce frequency of contact, like maintaining six feet of distance, avoiding crowds, and staying home to the greatest extent possible. This is important for everyone and especially those at high risk of severe illness, specifically anyone over 65 years old or anyone who has an underlying health condition like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Further, individuals in this high-risk category should take extra care to be mindful of the recommendations and directives from State and local government in order to avoid exposure.
For more information about coronavirus and Moore County’s response, please visit www.moorecountync.gov/health.
Moore County case counts can be found at http://arcg.is/fXWzX.
