Pender County Health and Human Services Statement
Pender County Health and Human Services (PCHHS) continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working closely with state and federal officials and are following all guidelines and recommendations from the NC Department of Health & Human Services (NC DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Currently in the State of North Carolina 736 COVID-19 cases and three deaths have been reported. There have been no cases reported in Pender County to date.
According to the CDC, most people who get COVID-19 will recover without needing medical care. For that reason, people who think they have COVID-19 showing mild symptoms such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are encouraged to isolate themselves at home, separate themselves from others in their home as much as possible, and call their medical provider for advice.
People can stop isolating themselves when they have met the following:
• It has been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms
• You have had no fever for three days (72 hours) without any fever reducing medication
• Your other symptoms have improved
We urge our residents to stay informed. The CDC and the NC DHHS provides factual information and recommendations.
We strongly encourage our residents to follow the recommended safe hygiene practices and social distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 – a cough, fever, and shortness of breath – please contact your health care provider. It is extremely important for people at higher risk of getting sick to call their medical provider if they develop symptoms of fever or cough. High-risk individuals include: those 65 years or older; someone with a high-risk condition like heart or lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or severe obesity, and pregnant women.
The Pender County Health Department clinic is open Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary. We have COVID-19 testing kits and are following the testing criteria provided by NC DHHS and the CDC.
Pender County Health and Human Services is actively working to keep you informed. If you should have questions, please call the Pender County Health Department at 910-259-1230. The website, pendercountync.gov, features a COVID-19 microsite with information. For the latest information on COVID-19, visit reliable websites such as the NC Department of Health and Human Services https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/ and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources within their community.