Release from McDowell County Health Department

WILCOE, WV – McDowell County Health Department Officials confirmed two more cases of COVID-19 in McDowell County on Thursday, April 9, 2020. This brings the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 for McDowell County up to 5. The additional two cases have no known connection to any of the previous three cases.

These individuals are currently quarantined in their respective homes, and the Health Department is working to identify each of the individuals’ contacts. Anyone who is identified as being a contact will be notified by the Health Department.

Due to federal HIPAA laws and to protect both individuals’ privacy, no further information about the cases will be released.

The Health Department would like to remind the public of the importance of taking proper precautions as guided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Also, it is important for the community to understand that as the Health Department continues to identify additional cases, local strategies for preventing and reducing the spread of the virus does not change. Isolate yourself at home if you are sick. Do not have visitors and do not go to other people’s homes to visit.  Symptoms of COVID-19 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.