NewsCoronavirus/COVID-19

AppHealthCare Reports First Deaths Related to COVID-19 in Watauga County

Last Updated on September 10, 2020 4:38 pm

Boone, NC – AppHealthCare is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths in Watauga County. 

There have been three deaths and all were residents of Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation. These individuals died September 6-9 and upon review from the medical provider, the deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. The patients were in their 70s and 80s and had underlying medical conditions. To protect the family’s privacy, no further information will be released about these individuals.

Any additional COVID-19 attributed deaths for Watauga County will be reported on our website dashboard. 

“We extend our deepest condolences, prayers, and sympathies to the families during this difficult time. Each life in our community is so valuable and we share in sadness about this loss,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director, AppHealthCare. 

We are continuing to closely monitor and respond to the ongoing outbreak at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation. We continue to partner with them to provide public health recommendations and guidance for implementing infection control practices, conducting regular testing, and putting isolation protocols in place for those who are positive and quarantine for close contacts. 

We continue to encourage the community to take preventive measures and follow the 3Ws to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. 

How to Protect Yourself

·       Wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth

·       Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer 

·       Wait at least 6 feet from others

·       Stay home when you’re sick 

·       Keep distance from others who are sick

·       Avoid touching your face 

·       Avoid crowded areas 

·       Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces in common areas like doorknobs, remotes, lightswitches, tables and handles.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of reported symptoms. These include:

·       Fever or chills

·       Cough

·       Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 

·       Fatigue

·       Muscle or body aches

·       Headache

·       New loss of taste or smell

·       Sore throat

·       Congestion or runny nose

·       Nausea or vomiting

·       Diarrhea

For more information related to COVID-19, including local data, visit AppHealthCare’s website here

Our COVID-19 call center is available from 8:00am to 8:00pm each day to take COVID-19 related calls – (828) 795-1970 and you can also email questions to preparedness@apphealth.com

AppHealthCare is available and on-call 24/7 to respond to public health emergencies. To reach us, call Watauga (828) 264-4995, Ashe (336) 246-9449, Alleghany (336) 372-5641 anytime and follow the prompts. For more information, visit www.AppHealthCare.com and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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