Lee County issued the following announcement on Apr. 23.
Lee County Government (LCG) Health Department confirmed an additional sixteen cases of COVID-19 today, Thursday, April 23, 2020. No additional information about individual cases will be shared by the LCG Health Department in order to maintain patient privacy.
The current cumulative total of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lee County is 80. The Health Department continues to monitor 73 individuals and seven (7) individuals have resumed normal activities. At this time, there are no laboratory confirmed COVID-19 deaths reported in Lee County.
In response to a growing number of questions related to COVID-19 cases in the county, the Health Department would like to provide the following information:
- COVID-19 is a reportable disease, meaning that medical providers are required to notify the public health department of positive tests. However, these test results, specific to a person or that person’s place of employment, are considered protected health information (not public record) and are protected by law. The Lee County Health Department cannot share information that could potentially lead to individuals being identified. The laws are in place to protect the privacy of the individual, which is important with reportable diseases like COVID-19 as there is often a stigma associated with these types of diseases.
- If an employer or other facility publicly discloses cases, the health department may be able to respond to some questions but only to the extent of what has already been shared publicly. The Health Department will not be a source of any new information not already made public. This is not to protect employers but rather to protect the privacy of individuals as outlined under the law.
- Lee County Health Department has been in contact with county employers to ensure they have access to and are aware of current recommendations and guidelines for protecting/maintaining the safety of their employees and operations. Guidelines and recommendations include specific details on what to do if an employee is symptomatic and asymptomatic. The Health Department has helped answer questions, provided clarification and advice when requested, and continues to serve as an available resource for county employers.
- Lee County demographic case data has not been released due to the low number of cases. This made it difficult to meet certain thresholds required to protect patient privacy. However, as the county case numbers have grown, the Lee County Health Director has made the determination that limited demographic data may be shared. Demographic data is reported on a 24-hour delay; data reported below reflects total cases through Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
- Total Number of Cases: 64
- Percent by Gender
- 66% Female
- 34% Male
- Total Number of Cases: 64
- Number of Cases by Age Range:
- 0-24 8
- 25-44 29
- 45-64 24
- 65+ 3
If you are feeling sick, please stay home and away from others; and call your primary care physician who is able to help assess your symptoms and provide additional guidance. If you do not have a primary care physician and you are experiencing symptoms, you may call the Lee County Health Department at 919-718-4640 for more information and assistance. The Lee County Government COVID-19 Information Hotline is also available to help with questions Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM.
For additional information and questions, please contact Jamie Brown, Community & Governmental Relations Manager at (919) 718-4605 or jbrown@leecountync.gov.
Original source: https://leecountync.gov/Blog/Post/4920/LEE-COUNTY-REPORTS-AN-ADDITIONAL-SIXTEEN-CASES-OF-COVID-19-THURSDAY
Alerts Sign-up