March 24, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COVID-19 Burke County Media Briefing
Burke County’s Response to COVID-19
• To date, there are no positive cases in Burke County
• The health department has tested approximately 66 individuals with continual daily testing as testing materials are available
• Of those 66, 53 results have been received and all tests have returned negative
• Public information line has been opened Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm for those with questions can call 828-764-9388.
• After hours, general questions can be directed to NC Public Information Line at 1-866-462-3821
Updates from Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge:
Visitor Restrictions Effective March 25, 2020
In order to help protect patients, their family members and teammates from the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge is enacting a NO VISITOR policy effective Wednesday, March 25.
We will work with families who have special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured family member, on a case-by-case basis after consulting the patient’s care team and physician. This is a temporary policy that will stay in place until further notice. We recognize that interacting with friends and family can be comforting to a patient and are encouraging you to use other forms of support for your loved ones such as phone calls, video chats on cell phones or other mobile devices. Please use these alternatives whenever possible. Thank you for understanding our position in keeping our patients, our staff and the public safe during these trying times.
Updates from Greenway Health: Dr. D Hussein
All office visits for established patient will be virtual
● Counseling will be virtual
● Urine drug screens will be random and patients’ presence in the office will only
be for a few minutes to give the urine sample and leave.
● No waiting is allowed in the waiting room.
● Prescriptions are being sent electronically to the pharmacies.
● New patients will have an in-person office visit if they have no upper respiratory
infection symptoms. During that time, they will be required to wear masks.
(Same as yesterday) Updates from Raleigh/Governor Cooper:
Governor Cooper’s Newest Executive Order closes the following:
1. Continues/extends school closures through May 15th
2. Lowers the number of those in mass gatherings to no more than 50. Recommended to cancel or postpone events and gatherings if possible.
3. The following facilities are ordered to close at 5 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 until further notice, though any retail or dining component may operate within that establishment solely for that purpose:
a. Bingo Parlors
b. Bowling Alleys
c. Ice Skating Rinks
d. Indoor Exercise Facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, and martial arts facilities)
e. Health Clubs
f. Indoor Pools
g. Live Performance Venues
h. Movie Theaters
i. Roller skating Rinks
j. Spas
k. Sweepstakes Lounges
l. Video game arcades
4. Personal care and grooming businesses, including but not limited to the following, are also ordered to close as Wednesday, March 25:
a. Barber Shops
b. Beauty Salons
c. Hair Salons
d. Manicure/Pedicure Providers
e. Massage Parlors
f. Nail Salons
g. Tattoo Parlors
5. Long term care facilities shall restrict visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations, for example, an end-of-life situation. For purposes of this Executive Order only, long term care facilities include all the following:
a. Skilled nursing facilities
b. Adult care homes
c. Family care homes
d. Mental health group homes; and
e. Intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
6. Several businesses, such as hospitals and healthcare facilities, grocery stores, childcare facilities, banks, post offices, libraries will remain open but may have modified access.