Buncombe County confirms COVID-19 case in visitor
First known presumptive positive test for Coronavirus in county
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
A press release issued this morning by Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department announced the first confirmed instance of COVID-19 associated with the county.
An individual who visited Asheville, March 10 - 13, was tested for the disease, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, after exhibiting symptoms during the trip. The person traveled to Macon County in an effort to isolate, immediately following the test, according to the county.
In a noon press conference, Buncombe County Health and Human Services interim director, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, reiterated that the instance is the first known presumptive positive case in the county and that the individual has been cooperative with public health requests.
“It's important our community remain calm, stay informed and be prepared for the spread of this illness,” Mullendore said, encouraging everyone to wash their hands frequently, and cover coughs and sneezes.
Fletcher Tove, public health emergency preparedness director for the BCHHS, asked the community to show “social solidarity and shared sacrifice,” adding that social distancing will be a critical step in slowing the spread of the virus.
The county asked restaurants to limit service to carry-out only, until further notice.
“This is a big ask,” Tove said, adding that the request from the county was not taken lightly. He left open the possibility of making the move mandatory in the days or weeks to come. “We’re acutely aware of the potential impact on the local economy.”
Mullendore encouraged individuals with high-risk factors, including seniors and people with existing health conditions, to stay home.
“Today represents an unprecedented time in Buncombe County and in our nation,” she said, adding that people experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their healthcare providers and avoid emergency rooms unless experiencing a medical emergency.
Buncombe County Communicable Disease staff had tested 10 individuals as of 10:30 a.m., March 16, according to Mullendore. The county currently has 20 - 25 test kits for COVID-19 available, but is in the process of securing more.
“We have to remember, COVID-19 appears to be spread mainly by droplets, so close contact (within six feet for 10 minutes or more) puts people at risk,” Mullendore said. “Once more information becomes available, we’ll share it.”
The county is planning to offer daily media updates as efforts to prepare for the impact of the disease continue.
Mission Hospital has received many queries regarding rumors of confirmed positive tests in recent weeks, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. William Hathaway.
“We’ve had none, but I fully expect that to change,” he said.
Visitation at Mission Hospital is currently restricted in an effort to maintain the safety of patients and healthcare workers, Hathaway said.