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WINDSOR – For the second time in just over a month, an individual employed by Bertie County Emergency Medical Services has tested positive for COVID-19.

Bertie County Manager Juan Vaughan II said in a press release that the employee, an EMT who is considered in the high risk category because of their job duties, is currently in isolation at their home and is doing well.

The employee’s last date of work was Monday, June 29. Vaughan said the employee began to display COVID-19 related symptoms at that time, to include fever and chills.

The employee, he said, was excused from duty to seek medical testing.

The first known case of COVID-19 was reported in the same department on May 19. That employee was quarantined for 14 days, as were four co-workers after all five were involved with transporting a COVID-19 patient earlier that month. The other four did not test positive.

Since then, Emergency Medical Services personnel have been required to wear masks and personal protective equipment on every call regardless of the calls’ nature, according to Vaughan. Masks are also placed on patients to help prevent any potential spread of the virus.

“The safety and privacy of our staff is one of our top priorities. We continue to work collaboratively with Bertie County Emergency Services and our local healthcare partner, Albemarle Regional Health Services, to ensure the continued health of our staff and our citizens,” Vaughan stated in a press release sent Tuesday afternoon.

“We are doing everything we can to better adapt to this ever-evolving situation. As a Board, we are proud of the dedicated service that our EMS personnel, and entire county staff, have continued to provide during such a challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with this employee, as well as with all of those still working to recover from this virus,” said Ronald Wesson, Chairman of the county’s Board of Commissioners.

For the most up to date information about the coronavirus, visit NCDHHS.gov, and be sure to like and follow the official Facebook page for Bertie County Government.