Onslow Coun­ty and Part­ners Con­tin­ue to Stress to the Com­mu­ni­ty ​“Stay Home If You Are Sick!”

The Onslow County Health Department (OCHD), Onslow County Emergency Management, Onslow County Emergency Medical Services, and Onslow Memorial Hospital continue to highlight the public health importance of adhering to quarantine guidance for all Onslow County residents. Even more importantly, if you are ill or have been told by a healthcare provider that you are being tested for COVID-19 you must adhere to the isolation guidance issued to you by your healthcare provider. Stay home during illness and until you are cleared by public health or your healthcare provider if you have been given specific isolation guidance.

Individuals who are being tested for COVID-19 are considered Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and must remain isolated pending test results. Once results are completed, those persons under investigation will be contacted by public health or your healthcare provider to communicate results and offer further guidance for ongoing isolation or advice for clearance.

Anyone who violates any quarantine or isolation orders are subject to criminal prosecution as allowed by law.

The guidance is set to reduce the spread of infection in the community and we must all take it seriously.

Onslow County Public Health urges all residents to follow these fundamental hygiene recommendations: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. Onslow County Health Department encourages continued social distancing among all Onslow County residents. Do NOT show up at your healthcare provider’s office or the urgent care without calling first. Do NOT go to the emergency room for mild illness. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve the most critically ill. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and tell them your symptoms and whether you are being tested for COVID-19.

At this time both Onslow Memorial Hospital has a COVID-19 screening sites. If you are experiencing symptoms immediately contact your doctor and follow their guidance.

UNC Health has created a central COVID-19 Helpline at 1-888-850-2684 to answer calls from patients who suspect they may have COVID-19. Patients will be asked a series of questions, after the initial screening a nurse will call the patient back and direct them to a screening site designated by Onslow Memorial Hospital.

These agencies would like to continue to stress that persons who are sick or experiencing any symptoms should contact any medical or healthcare facility before entering.