Hospital officials: Rumors of confirmed COVID-19 case untrue, being fueled by misleading headline

Wayne UNC Health Care officials believe that a news report circulating on social media is fueling false rumors of a confirmed COVID-19 case in Goldsboro.

The report, published on wnbf.com, carries the headline “Presumed Coronavirus Report in Wayne County.” It failed to mention that there are 16 states that house a Wayne County — or that this particular case has been confirmed in Pennsylvania.

Because of that, Brittani Schultze-Gardner, a spokeswoman for the Goldsboro hospital, said staff at the Wayne Memorial Drive facility have been battling the rumor mill.

There have, in fact, been no confirmed COVID-19 cases here, she said — nor are there any patients under quarantine or observation.

The hospital is, however, monitoring the spread of the virus closely and staff believe they have a plan in place in the event a confirmed case appears.

UNC Health has created an online resource hub for potential COVID-19 patients, their families and those who are concerned about the outbreak. And as of Tuesday, the organization announced that it was enacting voluntary restrictions for visitors at all of its hospitals, including the one in Goldsboro.

“Our top priority is always protecting the safety and welfare of patients, our incredible staff and the families of our patients,” UNC Health CEO Dr. Wesley Burks said. “While restricted access to our facilities may cause some inconvenience, we believe it is in the best interest of our entire state.”

Despite not having any confirmed cases in Wayne County, COVID-19 has already impacted the lives of local residents. This afternoon, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association announced that spring sports would be suspended until April 6.

And Wayne County Public Schools officials announced Thursday a series of new measures being taken to protect students and staff — from “deploying professional biohazard-certified cleaning services after hours to all schools on a regular rotation” to canceling all after school activities. (Friday’s Middle School Battle of the Books will still be held, but “without spectators.”)