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Following a “thorough investigation by (Buncombe) communicable disease staff,” the county has contacted all individuals believed to have been in close contact with an Asheville visitor who tested presumptive positive for COVID-19, interim health director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore said in March 17 media briefing.

The county announced the positive test in a March 16 release. The patient had symptoms of the disease while in Asheville March 10-13. They were tested by BCHHS Communicable Disease staff and traveled to Macon County for isolation.

Mullendore said about 10 people were notified that they likely had close contact with the individual and that staff "provided guidance" on what to do going forward.

Quarantine orders are being issued for contacts believed to have been at a medium or high risk of exposure to the person with the disease. Those individuals must stay at home for 14 days as of the day of their exposure, self-monitor and notify health officials if they exhibit symptoms.

Related:Coronavirus: What quarantine in Buncombe County, Asheville would look like

The county could take legal action if the individuals violate their orders.

"If you have not been contacted by a Buncombe County communicable disease nurse, you are not considered a close contact of the case and do not need to take any action beyond what we are telling the general public to do," said Mullendore.

The county did not respond to an emailed question regarding the locations the person visited while in Asheville.

As of the midday briefing, the visitor was the only known case of COVID-19 connected to the county. The individual was a resident of New York and is cooperating with authorities, Mullendore said.

Mackenzie Wicker covers Buncombe County for the Asheville Citizen Times. You can reach her at mwicker@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter @MackWick.

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