Scotland County, North Carolina has had 1,667 coronavirus cases and 28 deaths since the pandemic, according to the Scotland County Public Health Department.
Officials said they’ve seen an increase of about 10 new cases per day.
The Scotland County Public Health Department Director Kevin Patterson said the rise in cases is due to small family and church gatherings.
“Friends getting together and having dinner together and they don’t take precautions. It’s from people having small church gatherings and singing,” said Patterson.
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The health department released the following COVID-19 testing numbers as of Friday:
- Scotland County – 72
- Scotland Correctional – 5
- Scottish Pines – 8
- Scotland County Residents – 60
Ten residents are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19. There have been 28 deaths associated with COVID-19.
The hearth department also says, “with Scotland County’s numbers of COVID-19 positive cases rising, it’s important to remember If you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor. Isolate yourself. Stay informed. Visit #COVID19NC at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19 for information about symptoms and what to do to prevent spreading or getting this virus.“
The Scotland County Health Department and Scotland Health met this past Friday to talk about the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Public health administrators said they’re doing all they can to get the message out to slow the spread.
The North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Services released new guidance earlier this month for private gatherings.
Do not host or attend a gathering if:
- You have been diagnosed with COVID-19
- You are waiting for COVID-19 test results
- You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- You have been told by the local health department to quarantine or isolate, or
- You may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
- No gathering should exceed current Mass Gathering Limits (25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors). Gatherings above these limits are currently prohibited statewide to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, the virus can be spread in smaller gatherings as well.
- When deciding how many people to invite to your gathering, consider the amount of space you have and the ability to maintain social distancing during the event.
- People at high risk of complications for COVID-19 (e.g., people over 65 years of age or with underlying chronic conditions) should avoid social gatherings. If they do attend, ensure the 3Ws are practiced.
- Consider hosting virtual events or having a virtual option for individuals that are at higher risk to join safely from their home.
- Outdoor activities are preferred over indoor because it is easier to stay apart and there is more wind and air to help reduce the spread of the virus. However, even in outdoor settings, the more people that interact increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
- Practice the 3 Ws (Wear, Wait, Wash) during the event: Wear a face covering, Wait six feet apart from others, and Wash your hands regularly.
- Anyone who develops COVID-19 within 48 hours after attending a gathering should notify other attendees as soon as possible regarding the potential exposure.“
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