Yadkin, Surry and Wilkes counties are now all listed as red in the State health department’s COVID county alert system. The status indicates a critical level of community spread of the coronavirus based on several metrics related to the case counts, percent of positive tests and hospital capacity. The new system was introduced last week and noted that it would be updated every four weeks, but the state has already updated the listing, moving several counties, such as Surry and Yadkin from orange (substantial community spread) to red status.
In a press conference on Monday, Cooper called the updates “dire” and issued a “stark warning” about the need for continued efforts to follow social distancing and safety guidelines such as wearing a mask.
“We are in danger, this is a pivotal moment in our fight against the coronavirus. Our actions now will determine the fate of many,” Cooper said.
Cooper said the statewide mask mandate was being strengthened in a new executive order.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, said the bottom line was that individuals should be wearing a mask whenever they are around people other than from their immediate household.
Both Cooper and Cohen stressed the importance of limiting social gatherings, particularly this coming week for Thanksgiving.
“When it comes to the holidays, smaller and smarter is safer,” said Cooper.
“The next seven to 14 days will tell us if we are stemming the tide or if we need to ratchet it up even more,” Cooper added. “We know the other side of this pandemic is not very far off. We have such promising vaccines in the works. Until then our safety measures will save lives and keep our economy going until we get across that bridge.
On Monday just ahead of the announcement that Yadkin went from orange to red status, Yadkin County distributed a press release regarding the orange ranking noting that “the state of North Carolina has been experiencing community spread of the virus for some time now.”
As of Monday, there have been 13 deaths of Yadkin residents associated with the virus. There are currently nine patients hospitalized and 121 active cases.
“It’s important to remember that the virus is not limited to Yadkin County and crosses all county lines,” states the county press release. “Many people living in Yadkin travel to neighboring counties for school, work, shopping, dining, etc. People from other counties also come into Yadkin to work, visit family, visit parks and other attractions.”
The release goes on to state that information gained from communicable disease investigation shows that most of the increased cases are coming from small social gatherings, such as interactions with family and friends. Similar increases are not being seen in churches or schools, large gatherings, work places.
“The County has in place a strong COVID response team that is investigating each positive case that is reported to the Human Services Agency, including additional staff hired to assist. All known positives are isolated and the team continues to monitor each case throughout their infection period. In addition, the response includes a team of contact tracers who are reaching out to all identified contacts and informing them of their exposure and their need to quarantine. The Agency will continue to utilize these containment methods to slow the spread of the virus to others,” said health officials with the county.
“The Human Services Agency has been, and will continue to, educate the public on best practices, offering no-cost testing sites and making masks available to every citizen. The County will continue the strong mitigation strategies we have in place. Residents can help their community with helping slow the spread of the virus by limiting movement to work, school or needed activities such as getting food, going to the doctor, or getting medicines. Residents are also asked to practice the three W’s: Wash, Wear, and Wait. In addition, residents should monitor themselves daily for COVID-like symptoms and stay home from work, school, or social gatherings if they are feeling sick or having any symptoms. Those who are contacted by the Human Services Agency should heed the advice and instructions of the local COVID response team around isolating or quarantining, testing, and notifying friends, family and employers of illness or results.”
Residents with general questions about COVID-19 can call NC 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162.
Residents can also reach the Human Services Agency by emailing virusinfo@yadkincountync.gov.
More information about COVID-19 can be found at:
• NC DHHS: www.ncdhhs.gov
• CDC: www.cdc.gov
• Yadkin County, NC: https://www.yadkincountync.gov/