Halifax County government is monitoring coronavirus via updates through its health department as well as its emergency services and emergency management departments.

“With so much information in the news about the coronavirus, Halifax County urges its citizens to exercise calm and to be prepared in case we begin seeing cases of the coronavirus in North Carolina,” the county said in a statement today. “There are many different coronaviruses. The one we are most familiar with is the common cold. This particular coronavirus, known as Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), is considered a novel virus. It is still similar to that of the common cold or flu, but these symptoms are much more severe.”

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that does spread from person to person contact. It can also be acquired by contact with the viruses on surfaces, equipment, or other sources. 

“Halifax County receives regular updates through Halifax County Public Health Department and Halifax County Emergency Services, including EMS and Emergency Management. There is also constant communication with Vidant North and state public health and emergency management officials.”

Precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus include hand washing and not touching one’s face. 

Wipe down high-touch surfaces such as door-knobs, phones, toilets, and other items. 

“The most important thing to remember is that measures to prevent the coronavirus are the same as those to prevent the flu. Practice good hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene to decrease the spread of germs,” the county said.