COVID-19

Caldwell County Emergency Operations Center (828) 426-8605

Caldwell Health Department Health Information Line: (828) 426-8456

Guidance for Churches and Places of Worship

Know Your Ws  Recuerde las iniciales PEL

What To Do If You Feel Sick   COVID-19: Qué hacer si se siente enfermo

What To Expect If You Test Positive

Enfermedades coronavirus 2019 Respuesta (COVID-19)

*Updated 5-29-20

Results are from tests conducted by healthcare providers in Caldwell County. Per state regulations, all positive cases must be reported to both the local and state health departments. Providers are not required to share negative test results; however, most providers in the county continue to share the number of tests conducted and negative results.

At this time, it takes about 2 business days to receive results. NC Department of Health and Human Services recommends anyone awaiting results from their COVID-19 test talk to the healthcare provider who performed the test about when to expect results and how those results will be received.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19: cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or at least two of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Patients should remain in isolation until they meet all of the following criteria:

• At least 3 days (72 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.

If a person has shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, blue lips, or confusion, they should call their doctor or 911 right away.

Patients who are experiencing new or worsening signs and symptoms of a respiratory illness – cough, fever, shortness of breath – may contact the Caldwell County Health Department or go to the drive-through Caldwell UNC Health Care Respiratory Diagnostic Clinic. 

Services offered at the RDC include a Primary Care tent staffed by physicians and advanced care providers and a Pediatric tent for both testing and further diagnostic evaluation/care of a respiratory illness. 

Testing is most important for people who are seriously ill, in the hospital, people in high-risk settings like nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers and other first responders who are caring for those with COVID-19.

Individuals who are at higher risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 should call their doctor if they develop symptoms of fever or cough. Those at higher risk:

•  Are 65 years and older
• Live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Have a high-risk condition that includes: chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, heart disease with complications, compromised immune system, severe obesity, body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure or liver disease

Ways to Protect Yourself

• Practice social distancing by putting extra space between yourself and other people
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze