Dare Reports 5 COVID-19 Cases on Aug. 7th; Next Testing Event Announced
The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has received five new positive COVID-19 test results today, bringing the total number now to 369 cases, as of Friday (8/7/20) afternoon, with the next community testing event scheduled for August 11.
These most recent cases include one male resident of Dare in the 25-49 age group and one female resident in the 25-49 age group, both currently recovering in home isolation, as well as one male non-resident in the 50-64 age group and one female non-resident in the 50-64 age group, both of which have been transferred to isolation in their home counties, and one female non-resident in the 65 or over age group who is currently isolating in Dare.
There are currently 19 cases of COVID-19 considered “active” in Dare County, including one local hospitalization, as well as two non-resident hospitalizations.
Dare County is again partnering with Mako Medical Laboratories of Raleigh to host the next diagnostic and antibody COVID-19 testing event, scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, starting at 1:00 p.m. at Dare County Parks and Recreation located at 602 Mustian St, Kill Devil Hills. Appointments are required. This event is open to permanent residents of Dare County, ages 10 and older.
Individuals can register for an appointment for the diagnostic test, the antibody test, or both. The diagnostic test determines if an individual currently has a COVID-19 infection. The antibody test is used to determine if an individual had a COVID-19 infection in the past. A positive antibody test does not mean an individual has immunity to future COVID-19 infections.
Individuals only receiving the diagnostic test will be able to stay in their car and get the test via a drive-thru service. Individuals who wish to have the antibody test will be required to come into the building as the test requires a blood sample be drawn.
To schedule an appointment, please call 252-475-5008. The call center is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants are required to send a photocopy of their government-issued identification card and insurance card prior to the event. (Email to [email protected])
This is not a free event, however, individuals with insurance will not incur any out of pocket cost as the COVID-19 test is completely covered, no deductible and no co-pays. All insurances cover the COVID-19 diagnostic test, including Medicaid and Medicare. Mako Medical Laboratories will utilize the COVID-19 Relief Fund to cover costs of diagnostic testing for individuals who are uninsured. Mako Medical Laboratories will work with individuals without insurance who are seeking antibody testing. More information will be provided when individuals call to register for an appointment.
Individuals who participate in this testing event should understand they are coming to a community-based testing site located in a public location and therefore patient privacy cannot be assured. All results will, however, be confidential.
Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will receive test results from Mako Medical Laboratories and call individuals to provide them with their results within 72 hours of the event.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. This testing event is only for asymptomatic individuals. For those entering the building for testing, we will be providing temperature checks. For more information on testing locations in Dare County please visit darenc.com/covidtesting.
“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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