Dare Reports 4 COVID-19 Cases on Aug. 14th; Updates on 6 Most Recent
For the second day in a row, the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has received four new positive COVID-19 test results today, bringing the total number now to 390 cases, as of Friday (8/14/20). evening.
These most recent cases include one female resident of Dare in the 18-24 age group who is currently recovering in home isolation, as well as one female non-resident in the 25-49 age group, one male non-resident in the 50-64 age group, and one female non-resident in the 50-64 age group, all three of which have been transferred to isolation in their home counties.
The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 390, 12 of which are currently considered active. Of the 390 cases, 211 are residents and 179 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, Tuesday August 11, there have been six new positive cases. Of these six cases, one is a resident and five are non-residents.
The one new resident case since Tuesday, August 11th is symptomatic. It is unclear how this individual acquired the virus, which indicates community spread.
Of the 5 new non-resident cases since Tuesday, August 4th:
-
2 of the cases are symptomatic family members. One of the family members acquired the virus outside of Dare County and spread it to the other family member.
-
1 of the cases is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with a family member who tested positive outside of Dare County.
-
1 of the cases is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with a resident whose positive test result was reported 8/10
-
1 of the cases is asymptomatic. It is unclear how this individual acquired the virus, which indicates community spread.
Contract tracing has been completed on the 5 of the 6 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 one individual to identify and notify their direct contacts.
Controlling the Spread
Since August 2, 2020 there have only been nine new resident cases of COVID-19. This is very encouraging. The proven tools to help up reduce the spread of COVID 19 are maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet from others, wearing face coverings, and using good hand hygiene. Please help us keep the number of new cases low by following the 3Ws:
-
Wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people.
-
Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.
-
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. Maintaining medical appointments is essential for health and wellness, especially for individuals who may have a chronic health condition. Individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. These individuals should work with their healthcare providers to maintain their routine check-ups. Individuals who are uncomfortable with going into their health care provider’s office, should call ahead and determine what safety measures they can take while at their appointment or if telehealth is an option for their care. For more information on chronic disease and COVID-19, please visit the CDC website.
Testing
On Tuesday, August 11th Dare County DHHS partnered with Mako Medical Laboratories to host an Antibody & Diagnostic testing event for COVID19. The following is a summary of the results:
-
108 diagnostic tests conducted – 0 positive, 0 inconclusive, 0 invalid, 108 negative
-
86 antibody tests conducted – 5 positive, 81 negative
______________________________
