Dare Updates on 13 Most Recent COVID-19 Cases Sept. 30-Oct. 2
The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 560, of which there are 19 active cases among residents of Dare County. Of the 560 cases, 303 are residents and 257 are non-residents. One resident remains hospitalized from complications associated with COVID-19.
Since the last Dare County DHHS Update issued, Tuesday, September 29, there have been 13 new positive cases. Of these 13 cases, 8 are residents and 5 are non-residents. The Dare County website has already been updated to reflect all of these cases.
Of the 8 new resident cases since Tuesday, September 29th:
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2 cases are family members. Both are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals whose positive test results were reported on 9/28 and 9/29.
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1 individual is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 9/24
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3 cases are not connected. All three individuals are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals who tested positive for the virus outside of Dare County.
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2 of the cases are not connected. Both are symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
Of the 5 new non-resident cases since Tuesday, September 29th:
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2 of the cases are not connected. Both are 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 close contacts, 2 are symptomatic and 1 is asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.
Contract tracing has been completed on 11 of the 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 working with the other 2 individuals to identify their direct contacts.
Controlling the Spread
We have been fortunate in Dare County for nearly the past two months to have relatively low numbers of new cases, however just this week the DHHS has started to see a slight uptick in cases. This reinforces the importance of everyone doing their part and using the proven tools available to help reduce the spread of COVID 19. Please be responsible by following the 3Ws:
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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. There are many ways the coronavirus pandemic may affect your mental health. An important part of staying well is linked to your mental health.
These are stressful times, don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel you may need help. There are a variety of resources for all kinds of support available at www.darenc.com/covidresources. Mental health resources available in our community vary from counseling to economic assistance to telemedicine. It can be hard to reach out for help, but we are fortunate to have a variety of resources available in our community.
A great place to start would be contacting our COVID-19 Emotional Support line. This service is free, confidential and available Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 252.473.8216. The counselor can also help connect you to other services that you may benefit from. Please don’t delay in seeking help if you are struggling.
“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.
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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