Macon County reports three deaths related to COVID-19

Three Macon County residents diagnosed with COVID-19 have died. These individuals were over the age of
65 and had underlying health conditions. To protect the families ́ privacy, no further information will be released about these patients.

“We are extremely saddened by these losses. As this pandemic is affecting our entire community, today we
pray for these families coping with this devastating news.” stated Kathy McGaha, Macon County Health
Director. “It is so important that each of us do what we can to limit the spread of this virus. We
can make a difference by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and staying 6 feet from others. Continue to
practice social distancing and limit your trips outside your home to help to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The entire state of North Carolina is under a “Safer at Home” executive order, currently under phase two with masks required to be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19; however, anyone of any age can become infected with this illness. Therefore, we ask that community members strictly follow the governor’s orders and continue to practice social distancing, as well as safe hygiene measures such as hand washing and frequently cleaning touched objects and surfaces. The public can monitor the different phases of re-opening and learn more about the restrictions at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance.

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which also includes future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina. MCPH regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19; we encourage the public to check our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MaconPublicHealth for up-to-date information. Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath).

If you believe that you may have COVID-19, please call the Health Department at 828-349-2517. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 4:00pm, closing daily for lunch from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, until further notice.