UPDATE: COVID-19 Outbreak at Graham County Jail

November 12, 2021

A total of twelve (12) positive COVID-19 cases have been identified associated with the Graham County Jail. Three (3) active cases. All are unvaccinated inmates. The health department is assisting the jail in addressing the outbreak. COVID-19 control measures have been established at the facility to control the outbreak.
The health department would like to remind the public that the following guidance is recommended for anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 in order to discontinue isolation (regardless of testing):
• At least 24 hours have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
It is recommended that anyone who is a close contact of a positive individual quarantine for 14 days. If symptoms develop during that time, follow the above criteria before discontinuing isolation. Testing is available at the OptumServe site, health department, Smoky Mountain Urgent Care, and Tallulah Community Health Center.
For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina. The Graham County Department of Public Health Facebook page also provides regular updates.
If you believe that you may have COVID-19, please call the Health Department at 828-479-7900.