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A second resident of Hertford County has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Albemarle Regional Health Services Health Director R. Battle Betts, Jr. said lab results confirmed the case, which led to the patient being isolated.

As with the first case in the county on Monday, ARHS officials are trying to determine the point of contact that led to both individuals testing positive.

ARHS is following North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on contact tracing of all individuals who may have had close contact with the case. Close contacts are defined as having direct contact with, or been within six feet for at least 10 minutes, of a case-patient while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment.

Betts said that caregivers and household members of the case-patient are considered close contacts.

There are now six patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Roanoke-Chowan area. Three are in Bertie County and there is one in Northampton County.

Public health interventions are and will continue to be an important tool to reduce transmission and prevent the spread of COVID-19. ARHS is continuing to ask community citizens to be vigilant in practicing preventive and safety measures that will help prevent the spread of the virus. These precautions include:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household

cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Practice social distancing; stay at least six feet away from others, avoid unnecessary travel, avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact.

To slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected, communities should be following the guidance set by local, state, and federal officials to reduce frequency of contact and increase physical distance between persons, thereby reducing the risks of person-to-person transmission.

Further information about COVID-19 can be found here:

Albemarle Regional Health Services – http://www.arhs-nc.org/

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

Center for Disease Control – https://www.cdc.gov/