TThe Jackson County Department of Public Health (JCDPH) and the Cherokee East Band of Public Health and Human Services (EBCI PHHS) have identified a COVID-19 group at a local business.
Five employees of the table games section at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort have tested positive for COVID-19. All positive employees are following isolation orders. The investigation is ongoing.
The North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCDPH) defines COVID-19 groups in the workplace, education, and other community settings as: 1) a minimum of five cases with onset of illness or initial positive results within a 14-day period and 2) plausible link between cases where cases were present in the same environment during the same time period (eg, same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that the time is adjusted to the probable time of exposure; and that there is no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (eg, close family contact or confirmed case in another setting).
Positive symptomatic individuals will be required to remain isolated in the following conditions: 1) at least 10 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared, and 2) at least 24 hours have passed since the last fever without the use of medications to reduce fever medications, and 3) Symptoms (such as cough and shortness of breath) have improved. Asymptomatic individuals who test positive will be required to remain isolated in the following conditions: 1) At least 10 days have passed since their positive test, assuming that they have not developed symptoms since their positive test.
JCDPH, EBCI PHHS, and other local health departments are working to identify any additional close contacts of these employees. The CDC defines close contact as being within approximately 6 feet of a person with a COVID-19 infection for an extended period of 10-15 minutes during their period of infectivity. Based on information provided by employees, county health officials will assess exposure risks, determine if additional measures, quarantine and / or testing are needed.
“Harrah’s Cherokee casinos remain committed to the well-being of our employees and customers,” said Brooks Robinson, regional general manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. “The improved health and safety protocols in place since the reopening include training our entire team of more than 3,000 employees in cleaning and disinfection techniques, proper use of PPE, and mandatory use of face masks by employees and customers. Based on information provided by employees and video surveillance records, no other employee or customer has been identified as a close contact as defined by the CDC. In addition, all employees who test positive, show symptoms, or have had close contact with someone who tested positive, have been ordered not to come to work and isolate themselves. “
Chief Chief Richard G. Sneed declined to comment at this time.
– Jackson County Department of Public Health publication, One Feather staff contributed to this report
.
