June 23, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COVID-19 Burke County Media Briefing
Burke County’s Response to COVID-19
•Burke County is currently at 932 positive cases.
• Para español llama al 764-9150 y presiona el número dos. Si nadie contesta favor de deja un corto mensaje con su nombre y número de teléfono.
Update from Burke County Heath Department:
Many residents within Burke County keep asking why our cases continue to rise and the answer continues to be COMMUNITY SPREAD. THIS INFECTION IS ALL ABOUT BEHAVIOR. When people stay in close contact with each other, sick or not, and do not change their behavior to help stop the spread of this infection the numbers will continue to rise. EVERYBODY HAS TO DO THEIR PART FOR THE SPREAD TO STOP.
When people go out into the community, especially when they are sick, and do not follow the recommendations from the local, State and Federal Public Health Officials, the spread of this infection is going to continue.
Community spread in Burke County has been coming from people gathering for these kinds of activities inside or outside and not using face coverings and not staying physically distant from others more than 6 feet away. When someone who is sick or has been tested and does not stay home until they get their test results and goes to these places or gatherings, then the infection will continue to spread within Burke County and our numbers will continue to rise.
Events and large groups gathering for:
*FAMILY REUNIONS
*FUNERALS
*GRADUATION PARTIES
*BIRTHDAY PARTIES
*INDOOR CHURCH SERVICES WITH SINGING AND TALKING WITHOUT THE USE OF MASKS OR SOCIAL DISTANCING
*BALL TOURNAMENTS
*BEACH TRIPS
Cases can also be found within local businesses, restaurants, households, etc. It is everywhere within the community and in all ages. Everyone needs to take part in the responsibility to help reduce the spread of this infection.
The 4th of July is coming up and people really need to be aware and choose not to gather in groups at or on the lake or at people’s houses for cookouts and parties unless you can stay away from each other, wear a face covering and wash your hands frequently. These activities could cause another spike in cases within the county.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, contact the Burke County Public Information Line at 828-764-9168, Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm. After hours, weekends and holidays, please leave a message and your call will be answered as soon as staff returns. Or you can also visit the Burke County COVID-19 webpage at www.burkenc.org/COVID-19.
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