Dare County Reports 103 New COVID-19 Cases Dec. 5-11
The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Dare County continues to climb, as this past week saw a new record 103 new cases reported. The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 1,236, of which there are 85 active cases among residents of Dare County. Of the 1,236 cases, 800 are residents and 436 are non-residents, and four residents are hospitalized from complications associated with COVID-19.
Newly re-elected Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard released a new video message today regarding the recent surge in COVID-19 cases within Dare County, which you can watch below.
From Saturday, Dec. 5 through Tuesday, Dec. 8, there were 53 new positive cases. Of those 53 cases, 39 are residents and 14 are non-residents.
Of the 39 resident cases reported Dec. 5-8:
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2 of the cases are family members. Both are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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9 of the cases are not connected. 7 are symptomatic and 2 are asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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18 cases are not connected. 15 are symptomatic and 3 are asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals whose positive test results were reported between 12/2 and 12/7.
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10 of the cases are not connected. All are symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
Of the 14 non-resident cases reported Dec. 5-8:
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3 of the cases are family members. All are asymptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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2 of the cases are family members. Both are asymptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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5 of the cases are not connected. 3 are symptomatic and 2 are asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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4 of the cases are not connected. All are symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
From Wednesday, Dec. 9 through Friday, Dec. 11, there were 50 new positive cases reported. Of these 50 cases, 36 are residents and 14 are non-residents.
Of the 36 new resident cases reported Dec. 9-11:
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4 of the cases are family members. Two are symptomatic and two are asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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4 of the cases are family members. 1 is symptomatic and 3 are asymptomatic. It is unclear how the first family member acquired the virus before spreading it to the other family members.
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2 of the cases are family members. Both are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 12/7.
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3 of the cases are family members. All are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 12/8.
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14 of the cases are not connected. 11 are symptomatic and 3 are asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals whose positive test results were reported between 11/30 and 12/9.
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9 of the cases are not connected. 7 are symptomatic and 2 are It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
Of the 14 new non-resident cases reported Dec. 9-11:
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11 of the cases are not connected. 9 are symptomatic and 3 are asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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3 of the cases are not connected. All are symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
Contact tracing has been completed on 46 new cases and direct contacts provided by these individuals have been identified, notified, and directed to quarantine. The DHHS working with the other 4 individuals to identify and notify their direct contacts.
Controlling the Spread
COVID-19 remains a very contagious virus and it is predominantly being spread by direct contact between friends and family members. The DHHS cannot stress enough the importance of everyone doing their part to reduce the spread of this virus by using the proven tools available – the 3 Ws. Please be responsible, protect yourself and others 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
Mental Health, COVID-19, and the Holidays
Mental health experts agree that the holidays can amplify mental health struggles. Individuals living with a mental health condition may find the holidays more difficult due to inconsistencies in plans as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on how to cope this holiday season, please visit Mental Health America’s website. If you are concerned that you could be dealing with more than stress, consider taking an online screening and reaching out for assistance.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please do not be ashamed to reach out for help. Dare County has a variety of resources available to help individuals struggling with mental health concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on Mental Health Resources in Dare County, please visit www.darenc.com/covidresources or www.breakthestigmaobx.com
Testing
The DHHS strongly encourages anyone who is experiencing symptoms to be tested as well as anyone who may have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19. Testing is widely available in Dare County. Please visit www.darenc.com/covidtesting for details on testing locations .
If you have questions about testing or locations please visit www.darenc.com/covidtesting or call the COVID-19 call center, open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5 pm at 252-475-5008.
“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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