Dare County Updates on 9 Most Recent COVID-19 Cases
The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has released updated details on the nine most recent cases of COVID-19 reported since Tuesay.
The total number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 369, 19 of which are considered active. Of the 369 cases, 207 are residents and 162 are non-residents. Three individuals , one resident and two non-residents, are currently hospitalized outside of Dare County.
Since the last Dare County DHHS Update issued on Tuesday August 4, there have been nine new positive cases. Of these nine cases, four are residents and five are non-residents. The Dare County website has already been updated to reflect all of these cases.
Of the 4 new resident cases since Tuesday, August 4th:
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2 of the cases are close contacts, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic . It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus, which indicates community spread.
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2 of the cases are not connected, both symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus, which indicates community spread.
Of the 5 new non-resident cases since Tuesday, August 4th:
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1 of the cases is symptomatic and acquired the virus from family members who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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1 of the cases is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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3 of the cases are not connected, all symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus, which indicates community spread.
Contract tracing has been completed on eight of the nine 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. The DHHS is currently in the process of working with one individual to identify and notify their direct contacts.
Safer at Home Phase 2 Continues
On Wednesday, August 5, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina will stay in Safer at Home Phase 2 of reopening until at least 5 p.m. on September 11. The decision was based on health expert recommendations and the anticipation that with school reopenings, people will move around more and the virus will spread. In Phase 2 mass gatherings are limited to no more than 10 individuals indoors and 25 outdoors.
Reducing the Spread
Please follow the 3Ws to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The 3Ws are proven tools to help protect you, your family, and our community. Wear, Wait and Wash.
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Wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people.
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Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
Staying Well
Practicing general wellness during these difficult times can help improve an individual’s likelihood of preventing or recovering from illness due to COVID-19. Stress can play a significant role in suppressing the immune system, which can keep it from doing its job to help fight off COVID-19. Self care is more important now than ever. Take time to relax and do something you enjoy, especially if you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed.You can manage your stress by practicing time management, talking to someone, writing in a diary, practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, indulging in physical activity, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. For more information on stress and anxiety and COVID-19 visit the CDC website.
Testing
We will be partnering with Mako Medical Laboratories to host another testing clinic on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 starting at 1:00 p.m. at Dare County Parks and Recreation located at 602 Mustian St, Kill Devil Hills. Individuals can register for an appointment for the diagnostic test, the antibody test, or both. Registration is required.
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.
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