Macon County Public Health has received notice late Tuesday evening, May 26, that a Macon County individual, in the 65 and older age range, has tested positive for COVID–19. Macon County Public Health received notice of two additional positive cases on Wednesday, May 27. One patient is under 18, and the second patient is in the 25-49 age range. All are following isolation instructions and are under the guidance of MCPH.

Macon County has had 21 total cases, 18 are still active, one is recovered and there has been one death. 

No further information will be released about these individuals. MCPH is working to identify additional close contacts of these individuals. The CDC defines close contact as being within approximately 6 feet of a person with an infection with COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time of 10 minutes or longer.

Based on information provided by the individual, county health officials will assess risks of exposure, determine which if any additional measures are needed such as temperature and symptom checks, quarantine and/or testing. The entire state of North Carolina is under a “Safer at Home” executive order, currently under phase two. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19; however, anyone of any age can become infected with this illness.

Therefore, we ask that community members strictly follow the governor’s orders and continue to practice social distancing, as well as safe hygiene measures such as hand washing and frequently cleaning touched objects and surfaces. Please remember to WASH, WAIT, and WEAR. The public can monitor the different phases of re-opening and learn more about the restrictions at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance or at Reopening Macon County https://www.reopeningmacon.com/

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources. For more information, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which also includes future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina. MCPH continues regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19; we encourage the public to check our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MaconPublicHealth for up-to-date information. Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath). If you believe that you may have COVID-19, please call the Health Department at 828-349-2517. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm, until further notice.