Official Release from McDowell County Health Department

The McDowell County Health Department is reporting the county’s third case of COVID-19.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the Health Department was notified that a third McDowell County resident had tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Health Department Officials believe that this individual who tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus) was a contact of a positive case. The Health Department Officials continue to work to identify additional individuals who may have had contact with this individual. *If you are identified as a contact, we will notify you. *

To protect the individual’s privacy, no further information about the case will be released.
McDowell County Health Department will continue to keep the public informed by announcing any additional cases that may arise through local media partners.

The Health Department would like to express that it is important for the community to understand that the identification of additional cases does not change our local strategies for preventing and reducing the spread of the virus. Above all else, please isolate yourself at home if you are sick. Coronavirus symptoms could include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

If an individual is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, they can call Tug River Health Association’s hotline at (304) 448-2300 between the hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday. This line is being operated by a nurse who will ask screening questions to determine if you need testing. Or you may also contact Welch Community Hospital at (304)-436-8659 from 9am to 9pm or 304-436-8630 outside of those times to inquire about the possibility of being tested.

If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher that you have symptoms of COVID-19.