The Orange County government has established two new ways for residents to learn about COVID-19, taking further steps to prepare them to address the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus.

The county recently established a hotline for residents who have questions about the virus, which has been deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization. People can call 919-245-6111 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and have multiple language options available. The hotline also can provide answers about how the coronavirus is affecting Orange County services, many of which have been suspended or canceled in an effort to mitigate the virus’ spread.

In addition, Orange County has made a text service for those seeking regular, mobile updates on the county’s response. Texting “ocnchealth” to 888-777 will sign up a phone number to receive daily texts about Orange County’s ongoing efforts and any reported cases.

The county also has an email newsletter about COVID-19 from the Orange County Health Department residents can sign up for.

Orange County entered a state of emergency over the spreading novel coronavirus on Friday, March 13. As of Wednesday, no cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county.

To learn more about the county’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread and prepare for the virus, as well as updates on how the state’s efforts are affecting Orange County, visit its coronavirus web page.

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