Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

WINDSOR – Bertie County Manager Juan Vaughan, II has confirmed a third Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus also known as COVID-19.

The employee was considered high risk for exposure due to their job duties, and is doing well in isolation at home.

Vaughan said the employee has not completed routine work duties since July 23, and began exhibiting symptoms of illness on July 26. He said reported symptoms include intermittent, and low grade fevers as well as gastrointestinal issues, chest tightness, and nasal congestion.

Per CDC recommendations, the employee visited a healthcare provider for testing, and a positive result was confirmed.

“The safety and privacy of our staff is one of our top priorities,” said Vaughan in a press release issued Thursday afternoon. “We are working 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.”

“We understand that it has been an exceptionally long several months with safer at home orders and limited opportunities to be with family and friends. However, we continue to encourage citizens to take precautions and follow the three W’s – Wash your hands, Wear a face covering, and wait 6 feet away from others while completing essential travel. Our thoughts and prayers are with this employee, as well as with all of those still stricken with this virus,” stated Ron Wesson, Chairman of the Bertie County Board of Commissioners.

The news of the latest COVID-19 case involving a Bertie EMS worker comes on the heels of a July 22 announcement made by county officials that one of its EMTs passed away. That employee tested positive for the virus in late June and was quarantined for more than two weeks. All post testing and medical clearances were received for that employee to return to work.

The cause of death has not been confirmed as coronavirus related.

The first Bertie EMT to test positive for COVID-19 was reported in mid May. That employee was quarantined, along with four co-workers, after all five were involved with transporting a patient earlier that month.

For the most up to date information about the Coronavirus, visit CDC.org, NCDHHS.gov, as well as follow all respective social media accounts including the official Facebook page for Bertie County Government.