The Burke County Health Director was notified today of two additional positive cases
of COVID-19 which brings the total cases to 8 in Burke County. The cases consist of both traveling and
community spread. Burke County now only reports positive cases for Burke County residents. Since
residents are getting tested from outside county agencies and other counties are overwhelmed with
managing their residents, negative tests are not getting reported.
All these cases are isolated and Public Health staff have begun their investigation with the newest cases
and will be locating those close contacts to help contain the spread of the infection. The Burke County
Health Department and County Emergency Management will keep the public informed by announcing
any additional cases that may arise through our local media partners. Public health authorities nor any
other community partner will identify any individual that tests positive and we will not provide
information that may compromise their confidentiality as a matter of their personal safety, so individuals
are not targeted, threatened or harassed.
Residents are encouraged to CALL their medical provider if they have symptoms consistent with
COVID-19 but they do NOT need to come out to be tested since it may spread the illness to others in the
community including those at higher risk of complications and health care workers. For those residents
who do not have a medical provider can call and make an appointment for a primary care visit at the
Burke County Health Department.
So, the most important messages continue to be:
• Since this virus is now spreading in the community, it is extremely important to follow the
Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order for the next 30 days and only be out to pick up
essential items and when out make sure to take proper precautions such as social distancing
and hand washing to help reduce the spread of this virus.
• Call to check in on family and friends.
• Businesses that are not determined to be essential really need to adhere to the Governor’s Stay at
Home order so Burke County can reduce the spread of this virus to those most at risk within our
community.
• Remember while you are at home, it is a good idea to go outside some and get some exercise,
play with your children but do not gather with large groups of 10 or more people.
• Wash your hands often especially after going to stores, or touching objects or surfaces that others
have touched. Wash for 20 seconds and sing a song while you wash. Use hand sanitizer if you
do not have access to soap and water.
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