County Warns of Possible Exposure to Coronavirus at Gillespie St. Walmart
Cumberland County officials are warning the public about possible exposure to coronavirus, after an employee at the Walmart at 2820 Gillespie Street in Fayetteville tested positive for COVID-19.
Anybody who was at the store on April 1, 2 or 3 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. is advised to watch for COVID-19 symptoms, and if you experience them, to stay home and separate yourself from others in the home.
There are now 75 positive tests in Cumberland County.
From Cumberland County:
There are now 75 positive cases of COVID-19 in Cumberland County, according to the Cumberland County Department of Public Health. The number of cases has tripled since March 31.
The Health Department would like to notify the public of possible exposure to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 and worked at the Walmart at 2820 Gillespie Street. The person is a Cumberland County resident and the Health Department is investigating and reaching out to individuals who may have been in contact with the person who tested positive.
This notice is being sent because of the difficulty in identifying customers during the time period the person was pre-symptomatic or symptomatic. Individuals who were at the store during the times and dates noted below who start to experience COVID-19 symptoms (fever, coughing, or shortness of breath) should stay home and separate themselves from other people in the home.
- April 1 – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 2 – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 3 – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Most people do not need a test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home if you have mild symptoms – such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Once your symptoms resolve, you should remain at home without fever for three more days. You can call your doctor to see if you need medical care. Please do not arrive at a medical office, facility, or hospital without first making contact by phone and receiving instruction.
Call your doctor or 911 right away if you have shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or blue lips.
“There is evidence of community spread in North Carolina. All community members should take precautions when in public settings including physically distancing yourself from others and wearing a cloth facemask when distancing is not possible,” said Dr. Jennifer Green, Cumberland County Health Director.
The Cumberland County Epidemiology Clinic (910-433-3655) will provide information about the location and dates for potential exposure. Due to confidentiality, no further information about the patient will be provided. The phone line will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
We encourage everyone follow these steps to reduce your risk for COVID-19:
- Stay home except for essential work or seeking essential services, food, or health care
- Practice social distancing (stay at least six feet away from other individuals)
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wear cloth facemasks if you must leave home and social distancing is not possible
If you have general questions about COVID-19, call 2-1-1 or the NC DHHS hotline at 1-866-462-3821.
Information is available on the Cumberland County COVID-19 webpage at co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19 and the NC DHHS website at ncdhhs.gov.
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