Breaking News
?>
Cherokee Co N.C.
FYN TV Sunday Edition Chamber Cherokee NC Schools TeamFYNSports
Home / coronavirus

Cherokee County NC announces fourth COVID-19 death

News August 5, 2020 , by
numbers asymptomatic fourth death
A Cherokee County resident that was previously reported to have COVID-19 has died from complications of COVID-19. This individual was in their early sixties. This is the fourth COVID-19 related death in Cherokee County.
This serves as an unfortunate reminder of the seriousness that surrounds COVID-19 and the potential impacts of the virus. We as a community must do our part to help stop the spread of the virus by washing our hands, practicing social distancing and wearing a face mask to help protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19. These are important preventative measures that we should all be taking any time we are in areas where maintaining 6 feet of distance may be difficult. It’s also important to remember that just because you feel well, doesn’t mean you cannot transmit the virus to others.
Cherokee County Health Department emphasizes that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:
• At least 24 hours have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
It is also recommended that household and close contacts of persons with a respiratory type illness should quarantine to the extent possible for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of a respiratory illness. If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.
In addition to isolating as instructed above, if you become sick with a respiratory type illness, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 or your primary care provider to determine if you need to be tested.
Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).
It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.

Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information at https://www.facebook.com/cchdnc.gov.

Symptoms for COVID-19 have a wide range reported-ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are having a mild respiratory illness or exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.
If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.

Cherokee County Schools following Cooper’s Plan B option

Business August 4, 2020 , by
Plan B

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – Cherokee County Schools chose to operate under N.C. Governor Roy Cooper’s Plan B scenario for the 2020-2021 school year.

Under Plan B, schools must follow social distancing and safety protocols as well as a limited number of people allowed within the building. Originally, the government only permitted 50 percent capacity, but the plan has since been modified to ensure six feet of separation.

Parents and guardians can choose between returning to in-person instruction or remote online learning.

Students who return to in-person must wear a mask except for breaks and meals. Face coverings will be provided by the state.  A physician’s prescription will also be accepted if a child can’t wear a mask. Daily temperature checks and symptom questions will be conducted daily.

Students will sit one to a seat on buses with masks unless they are siblings. The limited number of seating might require buses to run late or make more trips. Parents are encouraged to pick-up and drop-off their children because of limited capacity. Bus riders must have a form attesting to their health and lack of COVID-19 symptoms.

On Monday and Tuesday, students with the last name beginning with A-L will attend school. M-Z will attend on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is a remote learning day for everyone, and the school will be sanitized.

Students who have siblings with different last names will have their schedules adjusted so they can be in school on the same days.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are remote learning days.

Social distancing will always be maintained. Stickers will be placed on the floors, sign installed, along with social distancing procedures in place.

Intense sanitizing will take place on the campus and on buses. Students will be encouraged to regularly wash their hands and hand sanitizing stations will be prominently available. Water bottle stations will replace water fountains, and water bottles will be provided.

No visitors, including parents and guardians allowed inside the school without the express permission of administration because of an emergency or other situation deemed necessary by the administration. No large group assemblies, gatherings or congregating will be allowed.

Remote Learning Option

Students in remote only classes will be accountable for participation, attendance remotely and partake in an organized, rigorous curriculum. All assignments will count as a final grade.

Those in remote learning must commit to the option for an entire semester.

Face to face assessments will be conducted with remote students on days that other students aren’t in attendance.

Parents can complete a decision form to participate in online or in-person school before Monday, August 10. It can also be completed over the phone. Once submitted, this form will be used to reserve a student’s space in one of the options and cannot be changed until the end of the first semester in December.

After August 10, school staff will begin calling or making home visits to obtain an answer from parents and guardians.

Plans could change at any time as more information about COVID-19 becomes available, the infection rate increases, or the governor’s orders.

Watch the video about Cherokee Jumpstart to see how Cherokee County Schools might operate once students return to school.

Cherokee County announces third COVID-19 death

News, Press Release July 22, 2020 , by
resident work-related death
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – A Cherokee County resident that was reported to have COVID-19 has died from complications of COVID-19. This individual was in their late eighties. This is the third COVID-19 related death in Cherokee County.
This serves as an unfortunate reminder of the seriousness that surrounds COVID-19 and the potential impacts to those high-risk individuals. We as a community must do our part to help stop the spread of the virus by washing our hands, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask to help protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19. These are important preventative measures that we should all be taking any time we are in areas where maintaining 6 feet of distance may be difficult. It’s also important to remember that just because you feel well, doesn’t mean you can’t transmit the virus to others.
See the latest COVID-19 numbers for Cherokee here. 
Cherokee County Health Department emphasizes that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:
• At least 24 hours have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
It is also recommended that household and close contacts of persons with a respiratory type illness should quarantine to the extent possible for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of a respiratory illness. If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.
In addition to isolating as instructed above, if you become sick with a respiratory type illness, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 or your primary care provider to determine if you need to be tested.
Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).
It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.

Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information at

https://www.facebook.com/cchdnc.gov.
Symptoms for COVID-19 have a wide range reported-ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are having a mild respiratory illness or exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.
If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.

North Carolina requires face coverings and social distancing for schools

Cherokee County Schools, Community, News July 14, 2020 , by
face stay at home in-person instruction

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen were joined by education and health leaders to announce health and safety plans for K-12 public schools for the new school year. Schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”

The Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit outlines the updated requirements for Plan B. Districts may choose to operate under Plan C, which calls for remote learning only, and health leaders recommend schools allow families to opt in to all-remote learning. Modifications have been made to Plan B since it was released in June to make it more protective of public health.

“After looking at the current scientific evidence and weighing the risks and benefits, we have decided to move forward with today’s balanced, flexible approach which allows for in-person instruction as long as key safety requirements are in place in addition to remote learning options,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “We will continue to follow the science and data and update recommendations as needed. We ask every North Carolinian to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet apart, Wash your hands.”

Governor Cooper also announced that the state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for every student, teacher and school staff member in public schools. In June, the state provided packs of personal protective equipment to schools that included a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields, and gowns for school nurses and delegated staff who provide health care to students.

“Educators and stakeholders across our state have worked tirelessly to reopen our school buildings safely for our students, teachers, and staff. Today, we take another critical step towards that goal. We also know families need to choose the option that is best for their children, so all school districts will provide remote learning options,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

“In-person education is important for children, and it happens in the context of a community. This plan strikes the right balance between health and safety and the benefits of having children learn in the classroom. We must all continue with proven measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission like wearing a face covering, keeping distance between people, and frequent hand and surface cleanings so we can move closer to safely re-opening public schools,” said Dr. Theresa Flynn, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, a practicing pediatrician who serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Pediatric Society and joined today’s announcement.

Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:

  • Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12
  • Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary
  • Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks
  • Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly
  • Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom
  • Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
  • Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups
  • Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution

In addition, schools are strongly recommended to follow additional safety measures that include:

  • Designate hallways and entrance/exit doors as one-way
  • Keep students and teachers in small groups that stay together as much as possible
  • Have meals delivered to the classroom or have students bring food back to the classroom if social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria
  • Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
  • Place physical barriers such as plexiglass at reception desks and similar areas

More details can be found in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit. Read the Screening Reference Guide for schools and the Infection Control and PPE Guidance.

In addition to the announcement about school plans, Governor Cooper shared that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17.

“As we continue to see rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we will stay in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks,” said Governor Cooper. “Our re-opening priority is the school building doors, and in order for that to happen we have to work to stabilize our virus trends.”

School Groups on Today’s Public School Announcement

“While all school re-entry plans have their challenges during this pandemic, our superintendents, principals, and other school leaders will continue to prioritize student and staff safety in reopening schools under the cautious parameters outlined today by the Governor,” said North Carolina Association of School Administrators Executive Director Katherine Joyce. “We look forward to continuing work with the Governor, the General Assembly, and other state leaders to ensure our schools have the support needed to get student learning back on track in the safest manner possible in each local district.”

“I recognize Governor Cooper faced a very difficult decision. The good news is that local school boards can now begin to officially put their school reopening plans in motion,” said Brenda Stephens, President of the North Carolina School Board Association. “While the current situation may not be ideal for all, I’m confident North Carolina’s educators will continue to provide students with the best education possible.

To see the press briefing click here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=591404655097644


    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                    

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Cherokee County announces 2nd COVID-19 death

        News, Press Release
        June 30, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            resident work-related death
                    

        
    

        


CHEROKEE COUNTY, NC – A resident that was reported to have COVID-19 on Monday, June 29 has died from complications. This individual was in their late eighties. This is the second COVID-19 related death in Cherokee County.








This serves as an unfortunate reminder of the seriousness that surrounds COVID-19 and the potential impacts to those high-risk individuals. We as a community must do our part to help stop the spread of the virus by washing our hands, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask to help protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19. These are important preventative measures that we should all be taking any time we are in areas where maintaining 6 feet of distance may be difficult. It’s also important to remember that just because you feel well, doesn’t mean you can’t transmit the virus to others.








Cherokee County Health Department emphasizes that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:








• At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND


• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.








It is also recommended that household and close contacts of persons with a respiratory type illness should quarantine to the extent possible for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of a respiratory illness. If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.








In addition to isolating as instructed above, if you become sick with a respiratory type illness, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 or your primary care provider to determine if you need to be tested.








Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).








It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.








Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information at


https://www.facebook.com/cchdnc.gov.










Symptoms for COVID-19 have a wide range reported-ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are having a mild respiratory illness or exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.








If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.



    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                 

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
NCHSAA extends dead period until June 15th

        Sports, Team FYN Sports
        May 28, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            
                    

        
    

        
The North Carolina High School Board of Directors held a meeting Monday night, May 25th, where the decision was made to extend the Coronavirus dead period until June 15th. 


 


Originally the dead period was set to be over on June 1st, however the vote to extend it was unanimous. NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker held a press conference for members of the media at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Tucker said that the NCHSAA plans to allow all sports to resume when the dead period ends, but there will be restrictions and no contact will be allowed.


When asked about fall sports Tucker said that the NCHSAA is moving forward as if fall sports will begin on August 1st. Currently the NCHSAA isn’t considering moving sports seasons.


The commissioner stated, “We don’t think it is even wise to begin talking about moving sports seasons right now, “We’re not really entertaining that.” However, the NCHSAA has come up with a plan if fall sports are unable to start on time. It could be a shortened regular season or a reduced number of playoff teams, but the change of one season does not mean


Commissioner Que Tucker
Photo courtesy of YouTube


that other seasons will be altered. 


 


Here are some key takeaways from the press conference: 


 


    

  • NCHSAA plans to allow all sports to resume when the June 15th deadline hits, not just a select few. No contact will be allowed and there will be restrictions from the state level. 
    • 

  • NCHSAA says that schools and athletic departments should be using this time to gather things such as gloves, masks, cleaning supplies and sanitizer in abundance in order to safely operate practices and reduce the risk of Coronavirus. 
    • 

  • North Carolina schools will receive guidelines no later than one week after the dead period ends. 
    • 

  • No change has been made to the realignment calendar as the by-laws require realignment to happen every four years, and this is the fourth year. 
    • 

  • The NCHSAA realizes that it is impossible to stop every student-athlete from contracting the Coronavirus, but says they are being very diligent in trying to stop the spread and that is why there was no fuss in terms of moving the dead period another 2 weeks. 
    • 

  • The NCHSAA has taken an 8-10% hit financially speaking because of the Coronavirus. 
    • 



The NCHSAA also sent out an email to members of the association, in which it read “If pandemic conditions in NC continue to improve, summer activities could begin June 15th.”  



    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                       

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Murphy High plans parade to honor 2020 graduates

        Cherokee County Schools, Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High
        May 9, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            graduation
                    

        
    

        
MURPHY, N.C. – Murphy High School (MHS) Principal Jason Forrister released details for 2020 graduation, which include a socially distanced ceremony, video, and May 29 parade.


“Suffice to say, the conclusion of this senior year has been unfamiliar and unexpected. The administration, faculty, and staff have missed seeing you in the classrooms, watching you play your senior seasons, enjoying prom, and participating in many of the other parts of senior year. We know these missed events have weighed heavily on you, as they have on us. With the time of graduation approaching, we do not want this season to pass without doing our best to offer you a timely, inclusive, meaningful, and memorable celebration of your successes and your transition to your new beginning,” wrote Forrister in his letter to MHS seniors.


This year, MHS will graduate 128 seniors, and the senior sponsors, Asst. Principal Wend Leatherwood, and Forrister tirelessly researched the best way to hold ceremonies during the pandemic. The plan they created is approved by the health department and similar to other schools’ graduation plans in the area.


To begin, seniors and up to seven guests will be scheduled to attend a socially distance ceremony; here they will accept diplomas and turn tassels. A videographer and photographer will be on hand to document the entire experience.


Part one of the graduation letter.


Faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to wear face coverings and socially distance of up to six feet during this ceremony.  The families and guests will watch their student participate in the ceremony from the designated viewing area. Once their student is finished with the ceremony, a family photography area will be available. However, graduates and families can’t congregate with other graduates. Once finished with their photographs, they must leave the premise.


The videographer will edit all the footage together, including commencement speakers into one video that will be released on May 29.


On May 29 at 7 p.m., MHS will hold a parade for the 2020 seniors. The route will run from Save-a-Lot, behind Murphy Middle to the high school.


Graduates are encouraged to decorate their cars and wear cap and gowns. They are limited to one car per graduate, and everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout the entire event.


Forrister added that a traditional ceremony isn’t out of the question, but no one knows what the social mandates for N.C. will be throughout the summer. MHS wanted its seniors an opportunity to participate in this right of passage.


Images courtesy of Murphy High School Facebook.


Part two of the graduation letter.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                    

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Harrah’s Cherokee announces phased reopening, starting May 18

        EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS, Press Release
        May 8, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            reopening
                    

        
    

        
PRESS RELEASE: Almost sixty days after closing their doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos will begin a gradual reopening of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River on Monday, May 18, 2020.


As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and North Carolina begin to lay out a framework for easing restrictions relating to the pandemic, the casinos are looking forward to a return to operation, but with extensive health and safety precautions in place for the safety of employees and guests. Areas such as the gaming floor, hotel and some restaurants, where social distancing can be practiced will be the first to open, with significant limitations on occupancy. Areas where social distancing is not possible, such as the spa, valet, poker, buffet and concerts, will have to remain closed until it is appropriate to reopen.




To make social distancing possible, access to the casinos will be by invitation only at first with small groups of customers receiving the invitation by email starting as early as May 13. During this initial phase, only invited guests will be able to make hotel reservations, or access the properties. The number of invitations may increase over time as it becomes appropriate to do so. Members of the EBCI will also be able to access both casinos during this period of time.


Given this phased reopening, furloughed employees will begin returning to work as their respective work areas ramp up operation. Before beginning work, each employee will complete a screening, which will include a questionnaire and temperature check, and be required to wear a face mask while on duty.


Reflecting on the closure, Brooks Robinson, Senior Vice President and General Manager said “This is uncharted territory for the casino industry, but what is clear is that when we return to work it will not be exactly as it was prior to closing. We look forward to welcoming back our guests and team members, also understanding that social distancing is going to be a part of our business and lives for a while.”



    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                 

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Murphy lifts several restrictions as N.C. begins reopening

        Konehete Park, Murphy NC, News
        May 7, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            restrictions
                    

        
    

        
MURPHY, N.C.  – In a May 6 executive order, Murphy Mayor David Ramsey lifted several previous restrictions to ensure accordance with Gov. Roy Cooper’s Phase One order.


Recreational basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, and pickleball courts located at Konehete Park can open as of 5 p.m. on May 8. These areas have been closed since March 23.


However, all playground equipment, rock gym, and playground areas within city limits and at Konehete Park will remain closed.


People engaging in outdoor activities must maintain social distancing of six feet and mass gatherings of more than ten people are still prohibited by the state of N.C.


Religious services are exempt from the 10 people rule but should take place outside unless impossible.


Short-term rentals and lodgings can begin taking new reservations and accepting guests on Friday as well.


Finally, any non-resident of Murphy is no longer required to self-quarantine for 14 days once arriving at their second home.


The State of Emergency continues to exist in Murphy and the order issued on March 20 is still in place. As a result, the pedestrian curfew between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. is still in effect. It doesn’t apply to employees or customers who are traveling between business and car or vehicle traffic. Offenders are subject to a fine of $100 at most or up to 20 days in jail.


Read the entire order here.


For more information about restrictions being eased in Phase One, click here.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                  

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
COVID-19 case numbers for Cherokee County, N.C.

        Health
        May 7, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            numbers asymptomatic fourth death
                    

        
    

        
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – As part of the effort to keep the county informed, Cherokee County Health Department (CCHD) issues daily detailed updates about the status of COVID-19, including recovery numbers.


The following information is from the September 23rd update.


Confirmed cases in Cherokee continue to slowly grow with 610 laboratory-verified cases and 91 tests with results pending. The positives also include residents of other states who received COVID-19 test in Cherokee.




CCHD also releases recovery or released numbers and 497 patients have “cleared the virus” according to a laboratory test. There are 96 active cases. 17 residents of Cherokee have died from the virus.


6,557 residents have been tested and reported to the CCHD and 5,856 were negative.


Statewide the NCDHHS has confirmed 196,501 cases in 99 N.C. counties. 912 are currently hospitalized, and 3,345 have died.


Cherokee County Health Department also emphasizes that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:


    

  • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
    • 

  • At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
    • 



If you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 or your primary care provider to determine if you need to be tested:


    

  • Healthcare worker
    • 

  • 65 years and older
    • 

  • Underlying health conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; people with weakened immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease.
    • 

  • First Responder
    • 

  • Essential worker
    • 


    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

               

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Phase One of reopening North Carolina begins on May 8

        Business
        May 7, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            phase one
                    

        
    

        
RALEIGH, N.C. – Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, residents of N.C. will have certain restrictions lifted as the state moves toward reopening.


In Phase One, the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses is removed and individuals can leave their homes for any commercial activity that is open. Small outdoor gatherings are allowed, but gatherings more than 10 are still prohibited. Religious services and First Amendment activities are also allowed but must follow social distancing protocols. However, the 10-person limit doesn’t apply to these gatherings, but they should gather outside unless impossible.


“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”


Those who do decide to go out they are encouraged to wear a face mask, carry hand sanitizer, wash their hands whenever possible, and regularly clean high-touch surfaces.


“When leaving home and wear it inside all public settings such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail or public-serving businesses. A Face Covering should also be worn outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six (6) feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer,” states the Executive Order.


Retail stores can operate at 50 percent capacity. Additionally, customers must stand six feet apart and retailers should provide hand sanitizer, screen employees, and frequently clean.  NCDHHS is posting the screening questionnaire online.


Phase One summary from Gov. Cooper’s office.


Businesses that remain closed are bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms.


Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, takeout and delivery.


All employees are encouraged to wear face masks or coverings and Cooper still recommends teleworking whenever possible.


Long-term care facilities are still closed to visitors.


Parks are encouraged to open if they can accommodate social distancing, but playgrounds should remain closed.


Childcare facilities will be open to serve families who need the assistance. The organizations are required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.


In explaining the decision to move to Phase One, Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:


    

  • Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
    • 

  • Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.
    • 

  • Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
    • 

  • Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.
    • 



In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:


    

  • Laboratory Testing – North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.
    • 

  • Tracing Capability – The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.
    • 

  • Personal Protective Equipment – Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.
    • 



The order is in effect until 5 p,m, on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase Two. Phase Two only start if data and indicators are in the right place.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                  

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Individual tests COVID-19 positive after work-related travel

        Health, Press Release
        April 16, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            resident work-related death
                    

        
    

        
CHEROKEE COUNTY, NC PRESS RELEASE – One resident of Cherokee County has tested positive for COVID – 19 and is currently isolated in their home in Cherokee County. This individual was tested after presenting to receive medical care and reporting they had been informed that they were in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 while in New Jersey on essential work-related travel. This individual has remained isolated in their home since returning from New Jersey.


The Cherokee County Health Department would like to commend this individual for immediately isolating upon their return to Cherokee County. This serves as a positive example of how individual choices have a much larger impact on our community as a whole in helping to stop the viruses spread.


Cherokee County Health Department continues to perform contact tracing on other previously reported cases in an effort to identify close contacts and perform testing as indicated.


Contact investigations on previously reported cases in Cherokee County continue to leave no clear source of infection and are an indication that community spread is occurring. According to the CDC, community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.


In an effort to slow community spread, Cherokee County Health Department is continuing to urge anyone who does not have an essential need to go out into the public to Stay at Home and limit all unnecessary contacts.


Cherokee County Health Department also emphasizes that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:


    

  •  At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
    • 

  •  At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
    • 



It is also recommended that household and close contacts of persons with a respiratory type illness should quarantine to the extent possible for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of a respiratory illness. If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.


In addition to isolating as instructed above, if you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 or your primary care provider to determine if you need to be tested:


    

  • Healthcare worker
    • 

  • 65 years and older
    • 

  • Underlying health conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; people with weakened immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease.
    • 

  • First Responder
    • 

  • Essential worker
    • 



Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. It is also recommended that all individuals only go into public areas for essential activities. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).


It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.


Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information.


Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, and other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath). If you are having a mild respiratory illness, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.


If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.


Here’s a link to other confirmed cases in Cherokee County.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                 

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
New Cherokee resident tests positive in isolation

        Health, News
        April 15, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            resident work-related death
                    

        
    

        
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. PRESS RELEASE – One resident of Cherokee County has tested positive for COVID – 19 and is currently isolated in their home in Cherokee County. This individual was tested after presenting to a local Emergency Department requesting care for a respiratory type illness and has remained isolated since being tested. The Cherokee County Health Department is performing a contact investigation in an effort to identify close contacts of this individual and perform testing, as indicated. This individual has not had contact with anyone known to be infected with COVID-19 or linked to other ongoing investigations.


Recent contact investigations related to (previously) reported cases in Cherokee County have left no clear source of infection and are an indication that community spread is occurring. According to the CDC, community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.


In an effort to slow community spread, Cherokee County Health Department is continuing to urge anyone who does not have an essential need to go out into the public to Stay at Home and limit all unnecessary contacts.


Cherokee County Health Department also emphasizes that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:


    

  • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
    • 

  • At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
    • 



It is also recommended that household and close contacts of persons with a respiratory type illness should quarantine to the extent possible for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of a respiratory illness. If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.


In addition to isolating as instructed above, if you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 or your primary care provider to determine if you need to be tested:


    

  • Healthcare worker
    • 

  • 65 years and older
    • 

  • Underlying health conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; people with weakened immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease.

      

    • First Responder
      • 

    • Essential worker
      • 

    

    • 



Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. It is also recommended that all individuals only go into public areas for essential activities. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).


It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.


Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information.


Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, and other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath). If you are having a mild respiratory illness, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.

If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                   

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Two asymptomatic individuals test positive for COVID-19

        Business
        April 12, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            numbers asymptomatic fourth death
                    

        
    

        
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – In an effort to understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community, the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority offered COVID-19 screenings to asymptomatic tribal members, descendants, and household contacts last week in Cherokee County. Two residents of Cherokee County screened at the event have tested positive for COVID – 19 and are currently isolated in their homes in Cherokee County. These individuals have remained asymptomatic. The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority and the Cherokee County Health Department are performing contact investigations in an effort to identify close contacts of these individuals and perform testing, as indicated. These individuals have not had contact with anyone known to be infected with COVID-19.


Recent contact investigations related to (previously) reported cases in Cherokee County have left no clear source of infection and are an indication that community spread is occurring. According to the CDC, community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.


In an effort to slow community spread, Cherokee County Health Department is continuing to urging anyone who does not have an essential need to go out into the public to Stay at Home and limit all unnecessary contacts.


Cherokee County Health Department also emphasizes that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:


• At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND

• At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.


It is also recommended that household and close contacts of persons with a respiratory type illness should quarantine to the extent possible for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of a respiratory illness. If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.


In addition to isolating as instructed above, if you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 or your primary care provider to determine if you need to be tested:


• Healthcare worker

• 65 years and older

• Underlying health conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; people with weakened immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease.

• First Responder

• Essential worker


Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. It is also recommended that all individuals only go into public areas for essential activities. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).


It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.


Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information.


Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, and other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath). If you are having a mild respiratory illness, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.

If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Lowe’s Employee in Murphy, N.C. tests positive, employees asked to self-monitor

        Business
        April 10, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            Lowe's
                    

        
    

        
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – Earlier today, the Cherokee County Health Department released details about another positive COVID-19 case, who worked at Lowe’s in Murphy and asks employees to self-monitor.


A resident of Cherokee County has tested positive for COVID – 19 and is currently isolated in their home in Cherokee County. This individual presented to the Cherokee County Health Department seeking evaluation for symptoms of COVID-19 and was tested. This person was informed of the need to isolate at the time of testing, however, this person had been symptomatic for close to two weeks prior to seeking care. Cherokee County Health Department is working to notify close known contacts of this individual.


Due to the individual continuing to work and be in the community prior to and after becoming symptomatic, public health officials anticipate there to be potential for additional exposure who are not easily identifiable. This individual works at Lowe’s in Murphy, NC. It is now advised that everyone self-monitor for a respiratory type illness and isolate immediately if symptoms begin. However, if you have been to the Lowe’s located in Murphy, NC any time between March 22nd and April 7th and you had contact with anyone who was less than 6 feet from you for 10 minutes or longer, it is advised that you quarantine yourself and monitor for symptoms of illness for 14 days from the date of potential exposure.


lowe's
Lowe’s employees in Murphy, N.C. are asked to self-monitor for respiratory illness symptoms.


If you become sick during this time, you should isolate yourself and your household in an effort to stop the spread of this virus. Persons should remain isolated when sick until the following criteria are met:


    

  • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
    • 

  • At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
    
If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.
    • 



If you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the Cherokee County Health Department at 828-837-7486 to speak to a provider to determine if you need to be tested:


    

  • Healthcare worker
    • 

  • 65 years and older
    • 

  • Underlying health conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; people with weakened immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease.
    • 

  • First Responder
    • 

  • Essential worker
    • 



Cherokee County Health Department is working closely with Lowe’s of Murphy, NC in order to determine dates and times this individual was working. Coworkers of this individual are being notified, assessed and tested as indicated based on risk. The infected individual has not had contact with anyone known to be infected with COVID-19. To our knowledge, no residents of Cherokee County are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.


This serves as an important reminder that Staying at Home and practicing social distancing when necessary to go out into the public are the most effective interventions that we as a community can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19.


Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. It is also recommended that all individuals only go into public areas for essential activities. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).


It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.


Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information.


Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, and other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath). If you are having a mild respiratory illness, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.


If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.


Here’s more information on yesterday’s confirmed case.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    

    


        
    

        
Cherokee County N.C. resident and Georgia healthcare worker tests positive for COVID-19

        Featured, Featured Stories, Press Release
        April 9, 2020
        , by 
    


    


            

            Georgia Cherokee County Residents
                    

        
    

        
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – A resident of Cherokee County has tested positive for COVID – 19 and is currently isolated in their home in Cherokee County. This individual is a healthcare worker in Georgia that was tested after developing symptoms of COVID-19. The individual’s employer made the decision to test for COVID-19, however, the decision to test was not communicated to the Cherokee County Health Department until today when the test result came back positive. This person was not informed to isolate after being tested. Cherokee County Health Department is performing an extensive contact investigation in an effort to identify close contacts of this individual and perform testing. This individual has not had contact with anyone known to be infected with COVID-19.


The CDC is now urging anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness to isolate until the following criteria are met:


    

  • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
    • 

  •  At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
    • 



It is also recommended that household and close contacts of persons with a respiratory type illness should quarantine to the extent possible for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of a respiratory illness. If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.


Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. It is also recommended that all individuals only go into public areas for essential activities. The CDC now recommends that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).


It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like Cherokee County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.


Cherokee County Health Department regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information.


Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, and other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath). If you are having a mild respiratory illness, isolate yourself from others until the criteria above is met. If your illness becomes severe requiring urgent or emergent health care, call and inform your health care provider or emergency services of your symptoms prior to arrival.

If you have questions, you may call the Health Department at 828-837-7486 during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.


Information about earlier Cherokee County cases, here.


List of confirmed cases in Georgia and N.C., here.

    


    

            

    
            
        
    
    


    

                 

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

    
    
    
    
    

    

          





        

            
            

                



										
	

			

									
	

			

											
	

		

	

											
	

			

                        

								




                

                
            


            
            
            

                Back to Top