Health Department

Numbers Update - August 10, 2020

As of noon today, Pendleton County has had a total of 41 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 1 suspect, and 1 presumed. There has been one death (reported earlier, in June). As of this time there are 10 active cases with 1 hospitalized.

Pendleton Manor has finished its second round of mandatory repeat testing; results for residents are negative. It is hoped that staff results will begin to be available on August 10, 2020. Thus far, 1 resident and 1 staff member have tested positive; both of these people have finished their quarantine. Visitors are still restricted, so please be sure to check before attempting to visit.

Please think twice before attending large gatherings. While weddings are exempt from the restrictions imposed by Governor Jim Justice, SARS-COV-2 can be spread at weddings just as it is at other gatherings. Churches and other entities should be practicing distancing.

Face coverings are mandatory when persons are in public spaces. This is an order from the Governor's office. While there are no legal penalties for failure to wear a face covering, the penalty may well be illness with COVID-19. Many businesses (especially health care entities) require face coverings to be worn while in the facility. Many businesses (including banks) are asking screening questions before allowing entry. The Court House requires face coverings and is also checking temperatures. You may need an appointment to visit county offices. Be sure you know the rules before attempting to enter a building. Please contact PCHD at (304) 358-7565 if you need a mask. Wearing a mask is a simple way to show your respect for your neighbors.

PCHD cannot provide letters of exemption from wearing face coverings. There are very few medical conditions that would prohibit the use of a mask--and it is in the interest of your safety and that of the people around you that you wear one.

Health Department Services

Vaccines and family planning supplies remain available at PCHD. Due to the resignation of the full time nurse, hours are very limited. Please call (304) 358-7565 if you need supplies or services. Family planning clinics are on-going, with a limited number of appointments. If you are scheduled for a clinic, please arrive on time. (Latecomers will be asked to reschedule.) Only the patient will be allowed into the health department unless a child needs a parent or an individual needs an interpreter. You will be asked to wear a face covering while inside the health department and your temperature will be checked at the door.

Sad Milestone

On June 5, 2020, Pendleton County Health Department announced the county's first COVID-19 death. The patient was an 84-year-old woman. PCHD extends condolences to her family and friends.

STAY HOME!

Please help keep Pendleton County healthy by following the recommended safer-at-home guidelines. Think whether your trip is necessary before you leave your house, and keep your stops to a minimum. Remember to keep your distance from others in stores, the post office, and other situations--even on the street. Wear a face covering and gloves.

As businesses and organizations re-open, please use caution. Cases of COVID-19 in Pendleton County more than doubled after the easing of restrictions on businesses and activities. Maintain your distance (6 feet) from persons who are not in your household. Wear a face covering and gloves. Churches and organizations are encouraged to continue to meet remotely. If in-person meetings are held, they should be limited to 25 people or less. Outdoor gatherings are possible, but again be sure to maintain an appropriate distance between you and others who are not in your household. There have been approximately 5 outbreaks around West Virginia connected with churches.

SARS-COV-2 TESTING

Pendleton Community Care has testing available for those who have symptoms or have reason to believe they have been exposed. Testing is also potentially available for asymptomatic individuals who need it pre-op or for an employer. Call (304) 358-2355 if you have questions or wish to make an appointment there. PCHD does not do testing.

If you are traveling on vacation, your employer may require you to be tested before you return to work. Please check with your employer to see if you need to alter your travel plans to allow time for testing when you return. Please think twice before traveling to high-risk areas.

Please respect that the Health Department has a limited staff and a lot of work to do and keep your phone calls to a minimum. PCHD staff will not discuss individual cases.