Full Notification

June 19, 2020

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that eight additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The initial investigation reveals the source of transmission to be contact with other positives and community transmission.  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.

This brings the total number of positives to 166 in McDowell County. There have been 3,315 people tested, 2,880 negative results and 269 tests are pending results.  Currently, there are 98 individuals in quarantine, 66 out of quarantine and 2 deaths. 

“As we look to next week and potentially entering into Phase three of the Governor’s Executive Order, it will be tempting to let our guard down” stated Public Health Director Karen Powell.   Please continue to be careful as you are out and about and do not become complacent.   Transmission rates are still very high, the chances of contracting the virus are highly possible” “McDowell County Health Department is working diligently to get in touch with all contacts of positives to offer testing.  We continue to quarantine all positives for 14 days.  It is critical for Public Health to be ahead of the transmission risk by isolating anyone who has been exposed.  We must stay vigilant in social distancing, good hygiene and using protective measures to keep ourselves safe.   We cannot lose focus of this serious situation, which is to stop the transmission of COVID-19 and to save lives.  Your Public Health team is dedicated and committed to keeping you safe and protecting the community.    McDowell County is strong, and we will get through these unprecedented times.”

The Health Department is continuing to test individuals for COVID-19.  If an individual would like to be tested, they can call the hotline at (828) 527- 6687. The operator will ask a list of questions and will provide the caller with the appropriate instructions based upon the answers given. The hours of operation for this hotline are 8AM – 8PM, 7 days per week.  If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher that you have symptoms of COVID-19.
 
Citizens can utilize an online COVID-19 screening tool by going to https://mcdowell.clearstep.health/ and completing the assessment.  Additional statistics related to COVID-19 testing in McDowell County can be found by visiting http://www.mcdowellem.com/covid-19.html

Free COVID-19 testing will be conducted at the following locations:

• McDowell County Health Department; Monday June 22^nd from 9AM-11AM
• New Horizon Baptist Church; Tuesday June 23^rd from 9AM-11AM; located at 5878 US 221 North in Marion
• Addie’s Chapel Church; Wednesday June 24^th from 9AM-11AM; located at 201 Ridley St. in Marion
• McDowell County Health Department; June 25 & 26