Full Notification

The Rutherford County Health Department was notified today at 11:00 am on Monday, March 30, 2020 by local medical practices that two Rutherford County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Both individuals are in isolation. There have been 125 tests submitted. 90 tests have come back negative, 2 are positive, and 33 tests are pending. Public Health Director, Karen Powell stated, “Rutherford County has been preparing for this reality and anticipated that our community would likely be impacted at some point. Public health staff have already initiated an investigation and will be identifying close contacts to contain the spread of disease. To protect individual privacy, no further information about the case will be released. The Rutherford County Health Department will keep the public informed by announcing any additional cases that may arise through our local media partners.” County Manager, Steve Garrison emphasizes that “it is important for the community to understand that the identification of these two cases does not change our local strategies for preventing and reducing the spread of disease. Above all else, please isolate yourself at home if you are sick.” The Emergency Operations Center is monitoring operations, logistics and planning efforts as this pandemic continues. Rutherford County EMS will be launching medical response teams later today to work with positive COVID-19 patients. Rutherford County is committed to protecting and informing citizens to the best of our abilities. The Health Department is continuing to test qualified individuals for COVID-19 and are also operating a COVID-19 Medical Screening Hotline at (828) 289-1185. The EOC and the Health Department are also working in conjunction with Rutherford Regional Health System (RRHS). RRHS CEO Rebecca Segal stated that “RRHS is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond for COVID-19. We have been preparing for the potential of COVID-19 in our community for several weeks, building upon the robust emergency operations plan we have in place year-round. We want to reassure our communities that it is safe to come to the hospital should you or a family member need care.” If you have any further questions you may contact the Public Information Officer at [email protected]. To receive daily local COVID alerts, please text your zip code to 888777.