CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – The New York resident, who tested positive for COVID-19 in Cherokee County and is now isolating in the area, attended the contra dance on March 10 at the John C. Campbell Folk School. The creative-focused institution is currently in process of notifying individuals who might have come in contact with the individual.

At this time, it’s believed the individual visited the Folk School before being tested for the virus.

In a press release issued by Cherokee County Health Department on March 18, it stated:

“A New York resident that tested positive for COVID-19 is being monitored and following isolation orders in Cherokee County. The patient is doing well and is in isolation. The patient is a resident of New York State and traveled to Cherokee County, where they became ill and were tested and placed on isolation. Since cases are reported under the state of residency, this case will be identified as a New York State case, not a North Carolina case. Therefore, this case will not show up on the North Carolina maps as a Cherokee County case.

The Cherokee County Health Department is working diligently to identify close contacts. The CDC defines close contact as being within approximately 6 feet of a person with an infection with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time of 10 minutes or longer. Based on information provided by the individual, county health officials will continue to assess risks of exposure, determine which if any additional measures are needed such as temperature and symptom checks, quarantine and/or testing for those impacted.”

The Folk School is in the process of identifying and notifying students, staff, and community members who may have come in contact with this person. If you have concerns regarding details of this specific situation or health-related questions, we encourage you to contact Cherokee County Department of Public Health at (828) 837-7486. If you know of anyone who was at the dance, please refer them to this post. For further concerns, feel free to contact The Folk School at 1-800-365-5724 or 828-837-2775.

The safety of our Folk School community is the institution’s top priority, and the administration encourages everyone to take care of themselves. They will update their website as needed with information regarding COVID-19 related matters.