COVID-19 Concerns Addressed At Winston-Salem Public Safety Conference

Concerns over coronavirus were addressed at a public safety news conference this morning in Winston-Salem. 

Statewide, eight North Carolina residents have tested positive for COVID-19. And a ninth person, a Durham County resident, has tested positive in another state and will remain there until the isolation period is complete.

So far, there are no identified cases in Forsyth County. County officials are working with the state department of health and human services, major healthcare providers, emergency management, and others to prepare for future cases. 

Forsyth County Public Health Director Joshua Swift says basic precautions still apply.

"Wash your hands, and avoid touching your face," says Swift. "We're encouraging people to stay home when they're sick. These are things that we encourage people to do anytime during cold and flu season or throughout the year. There's no need to wear masks — the general public do not need to wear masks or stockpile them. Masks should be worn by people who are sick to prevent the spread of infection."

The symptoms for COVID-19 include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Swift adds that testing should be considered for those with these indicators who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. Or he says, for symptomatic people who have tested negative for flu and have had possible exposure to COVID-19.  

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here.