The Halifax County Health Department is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases.

“COVID-19 can increase during any season of the year,” the health department said.

It is encouraging the public to take steps recommended by the CDC.

The guidance focuses on core prevention strategies:

Staying up to date on immunizations. This includes flu, COVID and RSV if eligible.  

Practicing good respiratory hygiene including covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands frequently and cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly.

Taking steps for cleaner air such as bringing more fresh air indoors and gathering outdoors.

If you are sick there are precautions you should take are:

Stay home and away from others.

Get tested to prevent the spread to others.  

Practicing good respiratory hygiene including covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands frequently and cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly.

Wear a well-fitting mask

Keep your distance from others

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Headache
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell 

If you test positive for COVID 19:

Follow the above recommendations for sick persons.

You can resume normal activities once you are fever free for 24 hours without using fever reducing medications, your symptoms are improving and you start to fee better overall.

Once you resume normal activities, you are encouraged to take precautions for an additional 5 days to include wearing a well-fitting mask, enhancing respiratory hygiene, keeping distance from others, and taking more steps for cleaner air.

“These enhanced precautions are especially important in order to protect those most at risk in our communities,” the department said.

For more information please contact your primary care provider or the Halifax County Health Department at 252-583-5021.