A second COVID-19 outbreak among staff of Graham Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, a long-term care facility, has been identified. The first outbreak had resolved and was closed. An outbreak in a long-term care facility is when two or more individuals test positive for COVID-19 within a 28 day period. Three staff members have tested positive.

No residents have tested positive. All staff are Graham County residents. Family members of the residents have been notified, and contact tracing is ongoing. Graham Healthcare has been following COVID-19 protocols, and routinely tests both staff and residents. They have been working with the Graham County Department of Public Health throughout the pandemic, and will continue to do so as the situation evolves.

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 health department, OptumServe mobile site, 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.