Dare Reports 2 COVID-19 Cases on July 31st; Updates on 12 Most Recent

Posted By on July 31, 2020

The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has received two new positive COVID-19 test results today, and no current hospitalizations one day after a second local fatality, bringing the total number now to 347 cases, as of Friday (7/31/20) afternoon.

These most recent cases include one female non-resident of Dare in the 25-49 age group currently isolating in the count, and another female non-resident in the 25-49 age group who has been transferred to isolation in her home county.

The total number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 347, 40 of which are considered active. Of the 347 cases, 197 are residents and 150 are non-residents.

The majority of cases continue to experience mild to moderate symptoms, however, there are cases which have experienced severe illness.

The DHHS was notified yesterday that a Dare Count resident in their late 70s, who tested positive for the virus on July 17 and was immediately hospitalized, died at a hospital out of the area from complications associated with COVID-19.

Since the last Dare County DHHS Update issued, Tuesday July 28, 2020, there have been 12 new positive cases. Of these 12 cases, 10 are residents and 2 are non-residents.

Of the 10 new resident cases since Tuesday, July 28th:

  • 3 of the cases, 1 symptomatic and 2 asymptomatic, acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive result was reported on 7/25

  • 2 of the cases, both symptomatic, acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 7/24

  • 1 of the cases is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with a family member whose positive result was reported on 7/26

  • 1 of the cases is asymptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive result was reported on 7/26

  • 3 of the cases are not connected, all symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus, which indicates community spread.

Of the 2 new non-resident cases since Tuesday, July 28th:

  • 1 is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with a positive family member outside of Dare County

  • 1 is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with a family member whose positive test result was reported on 7/23

Contract tracing has been completed on the 10 of the 12 new cases and direct contacts provided by these individuals have been identified, notified, and directed to quarantine for 14 days from the last date of exposure with the positive case. We are currently in the process of working with the 2 other recent positive cases to identify and notify their direct contacts.

Hurricane Preparedness and COVID-19

Now is the time to call ahead and make sure your evacuation plans are still viable in the event that an evacuation order is issued. This is especially important right now because shelter options may be limited due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements.

To access updated information from Dare County, visit www.darenc.com/isaias.

For preparedness information, visit www.readync.org.

Monitor local weather reports at www.weather.gov/mhx, sign up to receive alerts directly from Emergency Management at www.darenc.com/alerts and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

“Non-resident” cases are those who do not have a Dare County address listed on their identification card, including visitors, non-resident property owners, individuals living and working in Dare County for the summer, and those who may have recently moved to the area and have not yet been able to update their identification card.

Cloth face masks or coverings are mandatory to be worn in any public spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained in Dare County and throughout North Carolina. Read more here.

Local and state health officials continue to strongly encourage everyone to follow the 3 Ws – wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people, wait at least six feet apart and avoid close contact with other people, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. 

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Posted by Matt Artz

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