UPDATE: COVID-19 line established by health departments and Erlanger
Community, News March 27, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – Cherokee County Health Department in conjunction with Clay County Health Department, Graham Country Health Department and Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital has opened a COVID-19 Community Information line.
Beginning Thursday, community members can call 828-835-4258 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to speak with a representative. There is no cost and no insurance needed. This public service provides convenient access to local health care providers who will answer their questions. This is NOT a COVID-19 test screening line.
“Cherokee County Government and our community partners have a responsibility to protect the public health and assist the community in managing emergency events,” said David Badger, Health Director, Cherokee County Health Department. “We can best meet this objective by continuing to work together to help lessen the potential spread of COVID-19 by following the previously listed guidance.”
Original article from March 11 below:
The Clay County Health Department (CCHD) has created a phone number for the community to call and stay updated on the COVID-19.
The line will be updated every day “or so” according to the CCHD with any status changes within the community. The number to call is (828) 389-8052 ext. 110.
In a statement released on Facebook, CCHD stated:
“The Clay County Health Department would like for our community to know that we are persistently keeping up to date on evolving information about COVID-19. We have established a local line that we will be updating every day or so with any status changes. The line can be reached at (828) 389-8052 ext. 110. We also recommend reliable sites such as the CDC and NCDHHS for up to date and accurate information.”
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms appear within two to 14 days after exposure. The average incubation period is five days.
CORVID-19
80 percent of patients with a confirmed case of COVID-19 have mild symptoms. In severe cases, patients have developed pneumonia in both lungs, and in others, patients have died. The current death toll in the United States is 29 out of a total of 938 cases. Also, 38 states and the District of Columbia have reported coronavirus cases.
According to the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health, the best way to prevent the virus is to wash your hands, regularly and for 20 seconds. If you can’t use soap, then use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. To make sure that you’re washing your hands long enough, sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
Also, you should avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, or nose; cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue and then throw it away, stay home if you’re sick; and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Finally, get a flu shot. It wouldn’t prevent COVID-19, but it will lessen flu symptoms which will make the jobs of health facilities easier.
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