March 20, 2020

Dear Wilson County Employees,

While I understand there are many fears around the Coronavirus pandemic, I want to take the time to hopefully allay some of your fears. I would like for you to know that while the virus is present in Wilson County it is not widespread. Of the many tests we and other providers have completed there have only been 2 that have tested positive. We have completed the contact tracing for those individuals, and anyone affected has been notified and instructed to quarantine in their home for 14 days. We are currently in the mitigation phase of this pandemic where we are trying to slow the spread to not overwhelm our healthcare system. We continue to ask that you follow those mitigation measures that have been shared by the NC Department of Public Health. Stay home If you are sick, wash your hands frequently, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and avoid touching your face. I know all of this can be scary, but we also need to remember the vast majority of those contract the virus will recover with mild to moderate symptoms. We are all in this together and we will get through it and we will learn from our experience.

Sincerely,

Teresa Ellen