First lab confirmed case of COVID-19 reported in Camden County resident

Coronavirus test kit. [CDC photo]

Albemarle Regional Health Services Health Director R. Battle Betts, Jr., MPA, announced Monday that the health department has received notification of the first lab confirmed case of COVID-19 in Camden County.

The individual is in isolation, according to a press release. ARHS is following North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on contact tracing of all individuals who may have had close contact with the Camden case.

Close contacts are defined as having direct contact with, or been within six feet for at least 10 minutes, of a case-patient while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment. Caregivers and household members of the case-patient are considered close contacts.

Monday’s announcement leaves Hyde County as the only northeastern North Carolina county reporting no cases of the coronavirus.

Through Sunday, 158 cases total had been reported in the region. Bertie had the most with 37, followed by Pasquotank with 34. Six people from northeastern North Carolina have died. Statewide, the case count is nearing 9,000, and at least 318 people have died in North Carolina.

Public health interventions are and will continue to be an important tool to reduce transmission and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

ARHS is continuing to ask our community citizens to be vigilant in practicing preventive and safety measures that will help prevent the spread of the virus. These precautions include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Practice social distancing; stay at least six feet away from others, avoid unnecessary travel, avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact.
  • Wear a cloth face covering in public when social distancing measures are hard to maintain.

Further information about COVID-19 can be found here:
Albemarle Regional Health Services – http://www.arhs-nc.org/ or 252-338-WELL
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
Center for Disease Control – https://www.cdc.gov/

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