The Polk County Health and Human Services Agency and Blue Ridge Health have been notified of a recent positive COVID-19 exposure in the clinic portion of the jointly operated health clinic. In response to the exposure, the clinic services will be operated via telehealth services until Monday, Oct. 26, 2020.

During the closure, the offices will undergo additional cleaning services. No walk-ins will be permitted in the clinic until after this date.

“We continue to see an increase in cases across the state,” Polk County Health and Human Services Agency Director Joshua Kennedy said. “While we have a high level of protocols in clinic areas, the widespread transmission in the community is still challenging, especially among asymptomatic (no symptoms) cases.”

“Community members who live or work in high risk settings where social distancing is not possible or congregating for an extended period of time, who believe they have been exposed to the Coronavirus 2019 (virus that causes COVID-19) or who are symptomatic are encouraged to come to one of the county’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites,” Kennedy said. “In addition to the 3 W’s, testing is one of strongest tools to help slow the spread of this virus.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, Blue Ridge Health (BRH) has contacted all patients who visited the clinic during the time of exposure,” Blue Ridge Health CEO Dr. Richard Hudspeth said. “All BRH employees have been through a testing regimen and will continue to be tested to ensure no further exposure has occurred. Fortunately, our existing health precautions consist of many layered safety protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus and quickly identify when exposures have occurred. Any patients with upcoming appointments will be able to access their healthcare provider via telehealth.”

Due to the level of community transmission in North Carolina and across the nation,
community members are encouraged to follow the three W’s:

• Wait 6 feet apart
• Wear a face covering when in public spaces and
• Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer.

As a reminder, those with COVID-19 may experience a variety of symptoms, which are listed
below, or may be completely symptom free. In either situation, it is possible to spread the virus to others. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or believes they may have been exposed is encouraged to get tested to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Tests are now available from several vendors for at-home testing, often with no upfront
cost for those who are uninsured or insured, through your current healthcare provider or
through the Polk County COVID-19 drive-thru testing that occurs weekly. Calling (828) 722-5086 for more about the drive-thru testing.

The CDC indicates that people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms that have been reported, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. The CDC will continue to update
this list as more is learned about COVID-19.

For more about the coronavirus and to read the latest guidance on keeping
yourself and others safe and where to get tested, visit the polknc.org, ncdhhs.gov or covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/covid-19-testing-locations or call the Polk County Message Line at (828) 722-5086 or Blue Ridge Health at (828) 894-2222.