ROCKINGHAM — When the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services updated the number of COVID-19 cases at 9:05 Tuesday morning, there were just shy of 1,500.
But still not one in Richmond County.
However, neighboring Anson County is marked as having its first case.
According to the Anson County Health Department, the female patient was tested by Atrium Health and was a contact of a known case.
“The patient is doing well and is in isolation,” health officials said in a press release.
Richmond, Warren and Stokes remain the only counties between Interstates 95 and 77 without a single case of the coronavirus.
Other counties without a case are in the mountains (Macon, Jackson, Graham, Swain, Haywood, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Avery and Ashe) and in the coastal plain (Gates, Camden, Dare, Tyrrell, Hyde, Jones, Pender and Bladen.)
State health officials noted that there were a total of 1,498 cases; 23,106 individuals tested; eight deaths; and 157 currently hospitalized.
The number of coronavirus cases in Mecklenburg County is up to 419 — more than Wake, Durham, Orange and Guilford counties combined.
“As Richmond County continues efforts to minimize the impact of COVID-19, everyone is strongly encouraged to follow the Stay at Home Order issued by Governor Roy Cooper,” Health and Human Services Director Dr. Tommy Jarrell said in a press release issued Tuesday. “Although there are allowances in place to leave our homes or residences for essential circumstances, it is evident that there are many within our community who continue to leave their homes unnecessarily.”
The order, which went into effect Monday at 5 p.m., allows residents to leave their homes for the following reasons: health and safety; for necessary supplies and services; for outdoor activity; for certain types of work; to take care of others; to return to one’s residence; to receive goods and services; and for volunteering.
For those who do leave, health officials encourage them to practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from each other.
The order also bans congregations of more than 10 people.
“It will only take one individual to start a community spread,” Jarrell said. “It is critical that everyone take this very seriously as we strive to keep our community safe so that we can return to normalcy sooner rather than later.”
Unlike other areas, there is no curfew in effect and no travel documents are needed in Richmond County.
“Obviously we all want to interact with our family and friends,” he continued. “During this difficult time, perhaps we can use technology as our way to communicate and visit.”
