Dare Reports 14th Death; 32 New COVID-19 Cases Feb. 23-March 1
The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports that a 14th local resident died from COVID-19 last week, even as the county’s COVID-19 data continues to trend in the right direction, with 32 new cases in the past seven days, Feb. 23-March 1.
Specifically, there were only 30 new positive cases last week. This is the lowest it has been since the last week of September. Additionally, the percent of positive tests to total tests for this past week decreased from 8.2% to 7.7%. While these numbers are looking much better, we still need to remain vigilant. The DHHS has seen a recent rise in the number of cases under the age of 17. Ten out of the 30 new cases last week were between the ages of 1 and 17. Several cases were linked to spread between siblings and six cases were linked to sports or social gatherings. Please continue to do what we know works to control the spread by following the 3Ws: Wear a face covering, wait 6 ft apart and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
Since the last DHHS report on Feb. 23, there have been 32 new COVID-19 cases. Of these 32 new cases:
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26 (86%) are symptomatic
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22 (74%) acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual or individuals who were positive for COVID-19.
The total COVID-19 positive case count in Dare County is 2,784, of which there are 23 active cases among residents of Dare County. Currently, one resident is hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19.
One resident death was reported last week.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The local weekly vaccine allocation has been increased to 500 first doses per week for the next three weeks. Additionally, Dare has been approved for an extra 500 first doses this week and 1500 first doses next week in response to additional special event requests the DHHS submitted. With this increase in allocation, the DHHS has successfully been able to offer appointments to those aged 65 and over who were on the waiting list and the department is now ready to move to Phase 3, Essential Workers.
Anyone who is an Essential Worker may now go to the DHHS website at www.darenc.com/covidvaccine to complete the vaccination request form. Staff will then call you to schedule an appointment, as appointments are available. Phase 3 Essential Workers as defined by the state are those who work in critical manufacturing, education, essential goods (including grocery stores, pharmacies, food service, and gas stations), government and community service organizations, churches, public health, public safety, and transportation.
Over the past eight weeks, the DHHS has administered 8,398 first doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 5,741 second doses. Over the next two weeks, they will administer an additional 3,250 first doses and 1,100 second doses.
Key Metrics
This past week there were 389 COVID-19 diagnostic tests reported in Dare County. This brings the total number of tests performed since early March of last year to 33,626. There were 30 positive cases between February 22 and February 28. The percent of positive tests to overall tests in Dare County since testing started in March 2020 remained the same as last week at 8.27%. The percent of positive tests to total tests for the past week decreased to 7.7%. Syndromic surveillance of individuals presenting with COVID like symptoms to the emergency department and urgent care centers, showed low levels of activity. These graphs can be found on the dare county website at www.darenc.com/covid19.
“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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