Montgomery County identifies two new cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
For Immediate Release: March 24, 2020
Contact: Mary Perez-Baldwin, RN, MSN
(910) 572-1393
Montgomery County identifies two new cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Montgomery County Department of Health was notified on the morning of March 24, 2020 that two new positive cases of COVID-19 had been identified in Montgomery County, bringing the count to a total of three cases.
At this time, the individuals are isolating at home and willingly cooperating with public health officials. Montgomery County Department of Health team members are monitoring the individuals at this time and are working to identify any close contacts to contain potential spread. From contact tracing, these individuals had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and there is not currently known community spread in Montgomery County. To protect the individuals’ privacy, no further information will be shared.
The Montgomery County Department of Health is taking necessary steps and precautions to protect the health and well-being of affected individuals and the general public. To limit further spread of the virus it is important that members of the Montgomery County community continue to follow health guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) and the CDC.
The following steps should be taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
- Couch or sneeze into your bent elbow or a tissue;
- Clean and disinfect often touched surfaces and objects;
- Stay home if you are sick;
- Limit gatherings to 10 or less people; people at high risk (over age 65 or anyone with underlying health issues or a weakened immune system) should limit exposure to others as much as possible; and
- Practice social distancing by limiting your contact with others, maintaining a 6-foot distance in public, and staying home as much as possible.
Symptoms may include fever (100.5° F), cough, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you are recommended to stay at home. If your symptoms begin to worsen (e.g. increasing fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, altered thinking, cyanosis) you should call your doctor/healthcare provider. To protect yourself and others, you should call before making a visit to a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911.
It is important to use accurate and reliable sources for information on COVID-19. These sources include NC DHHS, the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Montgomery County Department of Health. Beware of claims that cannot be verified by one of these sources. For more information:
NC DHHS: www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus
CDC: www.coronavirus.gov
Montgomery County Department of Health: www.montgomerycountync.com/departments/health-department
North Carolina Public Information Hotline: 2-1-1
North Carolina Poison Control COVID-19 Hotline: 888-892-1162
As additional cases of COVID-19 become identified in Montgomery County, information will be updated on the Montgomery County Department of Health website
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