The Hardy County Health Department and Hardy County Office of Emergency Management announced one positive cases of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hardy County. The patient has been on quarantine since arriving home to Hardy County and has been fully cooperative in following proper protocol to protect their neighbors and community.
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from the COVID-19 without needing special treatment.
The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, lung problems, and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent or antiviral medication to treat COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The Hardy County Health Department as always recommends everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoiding exposure to others who are sick.
• Staying home when you are ill.
The CDC does not recommend that asymptomatic, healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.