Dare County Reports 74 New COVID-19 Cases Dec. 30-31
The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports that the number of new cases of COVID-19 in Dare County continues to climb rapidly, with another 74 new cases reported just on Dec. 30th and 31st. The total number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County (as of 12/31/20) is 1,634, of which there are 163 active cases among residents of the county. Of the 1,634 cases, 1,076 are residents and 558 are non-residents.
(Additional information on the most recent cases will be added to this article once it is released. Please refresh this page for updates.)
COVID-19 Vaccine
The department is continuing to vaccinate front line healthcare workers whose duties put them at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 or who are vital to the initial COVID-19 vaccine response (priority Group 1a). The DHHS expects to remain in this Prioritization Group for approximately two more weeks.
Information on the vaccination plan is rapidly evolving. The CDC has recently made changes to their published vaccine prioritization groups, however, Dare County is required to follow the direction of NC DHHS on the prioritization groups. If the state changes the prioritization groups for NC, Dare County will follow those changes. Dare County is not permitted to locally change the prioritization groups.
When registration opens for the general public, according to the required Prioritization Groups, the DHHS will post that information on the local Vaccine webpage which can be found at www.darenc.com/covidvaccine. Please visit this site for the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine or visit the NC DHHS website at www.covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines.
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.
“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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