(Pitt County) – On Thursday morning, November 12, 2020, Pitt County Health Department was notified that an employee, who works in a shared workspace, tested positive for COVID-19. This employee is not a healthcare provider but does work in an area that supports clinical operations. This employee has not had contact with patients.
Management staff reacted quickly upon learning of this case. Employees who were exposed were notified and have been sent home to quarantine. Due to the County’s masking policy, any exposure to this individual is considered to be low risk, but not zero risk. Employees who are now in quarantine will not report back to work until they are tested and no longer pose a risk to others. The exposed work areas are receiving additional disinfection measures today.
The Health Department has suspended certain clinical appointments until employees are cleared to return to work. Patients who have upcoming appointments will be contacted to reschedule. Access to prenatal care services, contraceptive supplies, and communicable disease services will continue. Walk-In clinical services continue to be suspended. Patients, who have questions or immediate needs, should call the Health Department at 252-902-2300.
The WIC (Women, Infant and Children) Program and other non-clinical services will be provided as usual. The Health Department will continue to provide temperature checks and other screening measures of anyone entering the facility. Individuals are required to wear a face covering (cloth mask, scarf as an additional protective measure). Individuals who are sick should not visit the Health Department.
Note to the media: Dr. Silvernail will be available for interviews at the next weekly Media Availability Session scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 10:00 am at Pitt County Health Department. Information that compromises confidentiality will not be shared. No additional media interviews regarding this case will be accommodated.