Dare County Reports 92 New COVID-19 Cases Dec. 12-18
The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Dare County continues to climb, as this past week saw 92 new cases reported. The total number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 1,328, of which there are 87 active cases among residents of the county. Of the 1,328 cases, 862 are residents and 466 are non-residents. Eight residents are currently hospitalized from complications associated with COVID-19.
From Saturday, Dec. 12 through Tuesday, Dec. 15, there were 50 new positive cases. Of those 50 cases, 30 are residents and 20 are non-residents.
Of the 30 resident cases since Friday, December 11th:
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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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2 of the cases are connected. Both are symptomatic. One individual acquired the virus from direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County and then spread the virus to the other individual.
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7 of the cases are not connected. 6 are symptomatic and 1 is asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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11 cases are not connected. 8 are symptomatic and 3 are asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals whose positive test results were reported between 12/5 and 12/14.
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8 of the cases are not connected. 5 are symptomatic and 3 are asymptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
Of the 20 non-resident cases since Friday, December 11th:
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4 of the cases are family members. 2 are symptomatic and 2 are asymptomatic. All 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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10 of the cases are not connected. 7 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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4 of the cases are not connected. 2 are symptomatic and 2 are asymptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
From Wednesday, Dec. 16 through Friday, Dec. 18, there were 42 new positive cases. Of those 42 cases, 29 are residents and 13 are non-residents.
Of the 29 new resident cases reported Dec. 16-18:
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16 of the cases are not connected. 15 are symptomatic and 1 is asymptomatic. All acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals whose positive test results were reported between 12/8 and 12/15
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5 of the cases are not connected. All are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals who tested positive outside of Dare County.
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8 of the cases are not connected. 7 are symptomatic and 1 is asymptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
Of the 13 new non-resident cases reported Dec. 16-18:
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9 of the cases are not connected. 5 are symptomatic and 4 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. 3 are symptomatic and 1 is asymptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
Contact tracing has been completed on 36 new cases and direct contacts provided by these individuals have been identified, notified, and directed to quarantine. We are working with the other 6 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
COVID-19 Vaccine
DCDHHS has been informed by the state that they may be receiving our first allotment of vaccine for Priority 1a healthcare workers sometime next week. The DHHS has been working this week on enrolling these eligible area healthcare providers in the state’s vaccine registry. Please visit the Dare County website vaccine specific webpage for the most up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Dare County. The webpage can be found at www.darenc.com/covidvaccine.
Celebrate the Holidays Safely
NCDHHS recommends that you avoid holiday travel and limit physical contact with people who do not live with you. If you choose to travel or gather with people who live outside of your household, follow these recommendations:
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Get tested for COVID-19 three to four days before traveling or attending gatherings
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Do not host or attend a gathering if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.
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Guests who are high risk for complications from COVID-19 should attend events virtually.
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Keep the guest list small
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Live together? Sit together. If not, stay 6 feet apart.
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Use single-serve options or have one person serve food so that multiple people are not handling items.
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Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as door handles and sink faucets.
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Host your gathering outdoors. If that’s not possible, make sure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors.
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.
In addition, there is currently a statewide executive order for everyone to stay at home from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. each night, unless they are at work during those hours, which will remain in effect at least through Jan. 8. 2021.
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