The individual resides in Haywood County and recently traveled out-of-state to Florida. To protect individual privacy, no further information will be released. The CDC defines close contact as being within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 infection for 15 minutes or longer and without protection. Based on the information provided by the individuals in close contact, 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 Haywood County Health Department will trace, test, and contain anyone we identify who was exposed to this virus,” said Haywood County Health Director Patrick Johnson.  “It’s vital that citizens assume the virus is circulating in the county and take appropriate precautions. You or the person near you in the grocery store or at work could be unknowingly carrying the virus and spreading it throughout the community.  Basic steps like social distancing, wearing a mask when in public or around others at work, staying home if you are sick, and regular hand washing help to limit exposures and slow the spread. It’s very important to practice all of these precautions in the workplace as well.”

“We also ask Haywood County residents to be aware that the key to safely navigating Phase 2 reopening is to remember the 4 C’s: avoid physical CONTACT, avoid indoor activities in CONFINED spaces, avoid CROWDS, and make wise and realistic CHOICES.”  

As of 5 p.m., July 2, 71 cases of COVID-19 in Haywood County are categorized as recovered. The other 22 remain in isolation. Forty-six people are in quarantine because they have been identified as close contacts of known cases during contact tracing efforts.  Others will be added to the quarantine list as contact tracing efforts continue.